Key Red Wings Player Comes Down With Flu Bug

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider woke up with the flu bug that has been working its way through the Red Wings’ dressing room. However, he is planning to play today against the Washington Capitals a game crucial to both team’s wildcard aspirations

Coach Derek Lalonde delivered the news after the morning skate. Presuming Seider plays, the Red Wings will use the same lineup they showed Sunday in beating Buffalo.

Seider has never missed a game in his young NHL career. The durable German player has played 241 consecutive games since coming to Detroit in 2021-22

Seider is probably the most important player for a Detroit team trying to cut down on their goals-against. He played more than 27 minutes and blocked 10 shots in Sunday’s 3-1 win against the Sabres. Seider has been paired with Ben Chiarot, giving Detroit a big, physical duo to match-up against top lines.

“Nobody eats pucks like (Seider),” Lalonde said Sunday night.

Detroit is facing a Washington team that has had difficulty scoring goals of late. The Capitals haven’t scored more than two goals in any of their six consecutive losses. The Red Wings certainly want to have Seider to help control Washington’s top scorer Alex Ovechkin.

Detroit owns the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, and the Capitals are just one point behind.