DETROIT - Ryan Sproul aims to be more assertive defensively when he returns to the lineup tonight for the Detroit Red Wings against the Los Angeles Kings at Joe Louis Arena (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit).
The 23-year-old defenseman was a healthy scratch the past five games. He provides an offensive dimension with his big right-handed shot, especially on the power play, but defensive lapses prompted coach Jeff Blashill to sit him for an extended time.
"I think on the ice that last game (5-3 loss at Pittsburgh on Dec. 3), they came hard in the third and it was a tough period for us," Sproul said.