Red Wings’ Namestnikov potentially available Thursday; Lindstrom remains sidelined

Preparing for Thursday’s matchup in New York against the Rangers, the Detroit Red Wings may be able to welcome back a familiar face prior to puck drop. Following Wednesday’s practice, coach Jeff Blashill revealed forward Vladislav Namestnikov – who missed Monday’s game due to an undisclosed injury – could be available for his team’s upcoming showdown at Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately, after scoring his first NHL goal Monday, defenceman Gustav Lindstrom is recovering from a middle-body injury and won’t play Thursday against the Rangers. For now, the 23-year-old blueliner is considered day-to-day. Namestnikov, 29, last played on Feb. 12 at home against the Philadelphia Flyers, where he logged 15:58 minutes of ice-time and registered one shot on goal. Through 49 games this season, the left-handed center has averaged 15:14 minutes of ice-time per night, posting 13 goals and 23 points. Additionally, he’s also generated 66 shots on goal, 31 hits, 26 blocks, 15 takeaways and a 50.0 percent face-off percentage