Red Wings' Justin Abdelkader: Out 2-4 weeks

Abdelkader (lower body) is dealing with a "slight" MCL sprain and has a return timetable of 2-to-4 weeks, Helene St. James of The Detroit Free Press reports.

Analysis:

Well, at least it's not a tear. Fans of the Winged Wheel have been in constant search of silver linings lately with seven skaters and veteran goalie Jimmy Howard parked on injured reserve. The Red Wings have Drew Miller on the active roster as a spare, so the team wouldn't need to place Abdelkader on IR or recall a forward from AHL Grand Rapids, though those are certainly options.