In the span of two games, the Detroit Red Wings have gone from three healthy goalies down to one. Late in the first period of Monday’s game at Little Caesars Arena, No. 1 netminder Ville Husso departed with an apparent right leg injury.
Husso slumped to the ice at the conclusion of an Anaheim Ducks power play with the Ducks leading 2-0. The Detroit net had been under siege for most of that power play.
When Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was finally able to clear the puck from the zone, Husso went down on all fours. After stretching his legs for several seconds while speaking to the Red Wings athletic therapy staff, Husso made his departure from the game. He was moving gingerly and reluctant to put weight on his right leg.
James Reimer took in net at that point. The Ducks beat Reimer just 1:26 after his entrance to up their advantage to 3-0.
Red Wings Lost Lyon On Saturday
Alex Lyon, the third of three goalies on the Detroit roster, got the start Saturday at Philadelphia. He was forced to leave that game in the second period with what the team termed an upper-body injury.
Speaking earlier Monday, Lyon was seemingly confident that he could be back in the club’s lineup very quickly.
“I thought it was one thing and I was fortunate it was not that,” Lyon explained. “I’m feeling pretty good today. I’m optimistic.”
That optimism spllied over into Lyon’s projection ot a timeline for his return to action.
“I think sooner rather than later,” Lyon said. “The body feels pretty good. I think I’ll be able to get back on the ice pretty soon.”
The Red Wings play next on Wednesday at Winnipeg. They have two other goalies under contract. Sebastian Cossa, a 2021 first-round draft pick, is with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins. John Lethemon is playing in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye.
Veteran NHLer Michael Hutchinson is also with Grand Rapids, but on an AHL contract. Detroit would need to sign him to an NHL deal in order to recall Hutchinson.
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