The Detroit Red Wings are facing a significant setback just days before a critical match against the Vegas Golden Knights. On March 18, 2025, the team lost key players, including defenseman Erik Gustafsson and winger Elmer Söderblom, to undisclosed injuries during their recent game against the Washington Capitals.
Neither Gustafsson nor Söderblom took part in practice on March 21, raising concerns about their availability for the upcoming weekend match. Coach Todd McLellan stated that Gustafsson might have a longer-term absence, which poses a worrying situation for the Red Wings, whose playoff aspirations are rapidly dwindling after a dismal 2-8-0 run in their last ten games. "That’s not good news for a tumbling Red Wings team, whose playoff hopes are close to evaporating," reported Helene St. James from the Detroit Free Press.
Gustafsson is currently among the top three in points among defenders for the team, boasting 18 points this season. In contrast, Söderblom has contributed significantly since his recall, accumulating 3 goals and 6 assists in just 22 games. His absence from the lineup will undoubtedly be felt as the team prepares to face off against the Golden Knights, whose impressive performance this season makes every game a tough battle.
Adding to the complexities of the roster situation, veteran defenseman Jeff Petry is traveling with the team but has been ruled out for the weekend match. Petry has been sidelined since early January due to an undisclosed injury, and while he has returned to practice, he is not yet ready to take the ice. He had recorded just six points in 34 games prior to his injury with a minus-seven rating.
The Red Wings will have to impose a strategy to cope with these injuries if they want to stay in the chase for a playoff spot. With the current state of the team, the game against the Golden Knights would be critical for their postseason hopes. They find themselves in a precarious position, needing a substantial turnaround in performance to salvage their season.
As the team readies for this important matchup while navigating the injury challenges, the coaching staff will have to make adjustments that could influence the outcome. Fans and analysts alike are keeping a keen eye on how these developments unfold, especially with the NHL playoffs looming ever closer.
Looking more broadly at the league, there are similar injury troubles impacting rival teams as well. For instance, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy doesn’t expect defenseman Alexander Romanov to join the lineup against the Canadiens due to an ongoing illness. Romanov has been instrumental for the Islanders this season, contributing in both points and playtime.
Meanwhile, Senators defenseman Nick Jensen continues to be unavailable with a lower-body injury but has been actively practicing, signaling a potential return. His role has been pivotal for the Senators, who have locked in a playoff spot. This illustrates the impact injuries can have across the league, raising questions about depth and player management as the end of the season approaches.
With every game becoming a do-or-die situation for teams scrambling to secure their playoff positions, the upcoming weekend will be loaded with implications not just for the Red Wings but for all teams needing to keep their competitive edges sharp in the hope of a successful playoff run.
