Detroit — The play itself is ingrained in Evgeny Svechnikov’s mind.
Svechnikov was going on the forecheck in a September exhibition game against Toronto, the final preseason game on the schedule. Svechnikov had been having a fine preseason, and was making a bid to begin the regular season on the Red Wings’ roster.
There was a collision along the boards, and Svechnikov and a Leafs defender fell, going after a puck. Svechnikov fell awkwardly, and his right knee fell inward.
Something didn’t feel right.
“It was bad,” said Svechnikov, Wednesday morning after the Red Wings’ morning skate.