Detroit — A veteran who long contributed to their cause is suddenly gone from the Red Wings roster.
Two young defensemen were in the starting lineup Sunday, against one of the top offensive teams, the Rangers.
That speaks volumes about where the Wings are headed in the last half of a trying, disappointing season. Approaching a logjam, as some healthy players return amid long-playing stretches for the reinforcements, Ken Holland and Jeff Blashill provided strong evidence Sunday they are interested in playing the young defensemen.
They were immediately rewarded for the decision.
The Wings played good defense Sunday, giving up a goal only in the wide-open, frenetic 3-on-3 in a 1-0 overtime loss.