The Detroit Red Wings are getting ready to play their second game in three days against the Boston Bruins. On Saturday, in Boston, the Red Wings got off to a slow start before finding the net in the third period twice to push it to overtime, before they ended up losing in a shootout.
When they take the ice on Tuesday back home, they will need to do so without Mason Appleton. After practice on Monday, head coach Todd McLellan was asked about Mason Appleton after he was absent from practice.
McLellan said that he is dealing with an injury and is still being evaluated. "He won't play tomorrow and is day-to-day right now. However, he is still being evaluated and will get an update tomorrow."
Mason Appleton joined Detroit as a free agent this past summer and has appeared in every game this season ahead of Tuesday. He has been a productive fourth-line player for the Red Wings with three goals and six assists this season, along with 28 hits and 12 blocked shots.
Detroit Red Wings need Michael Rasmussen to continue his hot streak in Mason Appleton's absence
While Appleton won't be on the ice, Michael Rasmussen could be a difference maker for the Red Wings on that fourth line. While it is a small sample size, Rasmussen has been very productive the past two games with three points (two goals, one assist).
The former first-round pick didn't live up to his draft stock but has been a productive player as of late. He is actually leading the team in Expected Goals Per 60 Minutes at 1.08 and slightly ahead of Alex DeBrincat in the category, according to Money Puck, in 5v5 situations.
It isn't just the analytics that are showing his impact, and Todd McLellan has taken note of his performance. On Monday, he was asked what he had seen from Rasmussen as of late, "He is driving the net, which is a real good thing for a guy with size. He has played well along the boards and the wood. I thought he, App (Appleton), and JT (J.T. Compher) were one of our better lines against Tampa."
McLelland summed up Rasmussen's recent play by saying, "He is playing a heavier, harder, more direct game and as a result he is getting more opportunities offensively."
There is no denying McLellan's assessment of Rasmussen as of late, and the Red Wings are going to need more of that Tuesday against Boston.