Notebook: Bertuzzi to return against Islanders; Lindstrom skates Monday

DETROIT --Unable to take the ice, Tyler Bertuzzi watched the Detroit Red Wings win two straight games, then drop three in a row while he sat out in COVID protocol. The left winger returned to practice on Monday, and said his team knows what it must focus on heading into Tuesday's game against the New York Islanders.

"There were a few [games] that were really good and some that were not so good," Bertuzzi said. "Obviously, we'll go over that in video and try and get better with that. Practice today, video today and we'll be back Tuesday."

Bertuzzi is set to return against the upstart Islanders. After losing 11 straight games, New York has won two of its last three. In their current three-game losing streak, the Red Wings have been outscored, 18-7.
While Bertuzzi's return should provide a boost to Detroit's offense, coach Jeff Blashill said the forward may not be at full speed right away.
"It varies a little bit, guy to guy. It varies a little bit how hard they've been hit," Blashill said. "Sometimes, I think they're back in your lineup and you expect them to be right back where they were when they left, but that's unrealistic a lot of times. I think we have to understand it might take Bert some time to get himself back and playing at that full speed, the 100 percent that he's capable of, and it might not."

While producing offensively is key, Bertuzzi reiterated the importance of good defense to playing winning hockey.
"If we are good defensively, we have a really good chance at winning the hockey game," Bertuzzi said. "If we can clean up in the D-zone, then it's going to lead to more offense and more wins."
A moment to hit the reset button could be beneficial. Excluding the Red Wings' first and most recent games this season, they are 7-11-2 when they have one day off, or play a back-to-back. When it has at least two days off, Detroit is 6-2.
"Every team in the league is going to go through stretches, whether it is good or bad, and you got to learn to put it behind you," Bertuzzi said. "Just take the positives from everything and move on and try and get better."

Strong play sees Namestnikov earn 'promotion'

Vladislav Namestnikov has taken his game up a notch as of late. The 29-year-old has tallied four points in the past six games while averaging 16:54 time on ice. As a result, Blashill admitted he's relied on Namestnikov more.
"I think he's played as good as any forward in our group the last little bit," Blashill said. "I think he's skating really well. I think he's producing enough offense. I think he's played really good hockey."

Lindstrom practices, Staal still out

After missing the team's last three games, Gustav Lindstrom skated on Monday morning at the BELFOR Training Center.
"I would say I anticipate him being available tomorrow," Blashill said. "But I haven't talked to our trainers after practice."
Lindstrom has not played since he exited Detroit's game on Nov. 4 against the Islanders with a lower-body injury. The 23-year-old has four points in 19 games this season.
When asked about Marc Staal, Blashill said the veteran defenseman remains in COVID protocol.

Cossa and Sebrango named to Team Canada World Junior Team

Red Wings prospects Sebastian Cossa and Donovan Sebrango were named to Team Canada's roster for the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Cossa was drafted in the first round, 15th overall, by Detroit in the 2021 NHL Draft. This season, the goalie has started all but seven games for the Edmonton Oil Kings and has a 15-3-3 record with a 2.26 goals-against average, .924 save percentage and two shutouts.
He represented Canada once previously and skated for Team Canada White at the 2018 World Under-17 Challenge.
A third round (63rd) pick by Detroit in the 2020 NHL Draft, Sebrango has tallied three assists and a plus-6 raring in 20 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins this season.