Ville Husso's Return to the Red Wings

In an unexpected turn of events, Ville Husso has been reinstated to the Detroit Red Wings' roster and is set to start in goal on Saturday as they face off against the New York Rangers at Little Caesars Arena. After being demoted to the minors just a few weeks into the season, the 29-year-old goaltender’s return comes as a direct result of an injury to fellow netminder Alex Lyon.

Confirmation from Head Coach

Head coach Derek Lalonde confirmed the news after the team’s morning skate in Toronto, stating that Lyon had experienced a minor lower-body tweak. 'Ville will be backing up Cam Talbot in Toronto and will start on Saturday,' Lalonde announced. 'I’m not overly concerned about this being a long-term issue, but we’ll see how it goes through the weekend.'

A Hectic Turnaround

The quick turnaround for Husso has been notably hectic. Just a day prior, he was playing with the Grand Rapids Griffins in Des Moines, Iowa, when he received the call to join the Red Wings. Despite the rush to prepare for his arrival in Toronto, Husso handled it well, expressing gratitude for the smooth travel arrangements. 'It was a pretty quick transfer, but it was easy travel. I got here by nighttime, enjoyed some room service, and got some good sleep,' he shared.

Challenges Faced

Husso’s journey back to the NHL has not been devoid of challenges. Last December, he faced a significant lower-body injury that hampered his performance throughout the remainder of the season. In total, he appeared in only 19 games, with a failed comeback attempt in February. This year, he started on a rocky note, conceding four goals in the regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Subsequently, the Red Wings placed him on waivers on October 13, leading to his assignment to the Griffins.

Impressive Performance in the AHL

During his time in the AHL, Husso shined with an impressive 2-0-0 record, including a shutout and a sparkling 1.23 goals-against average, demonstrating his readiness for the NHL once more. 'Going into GR, it was never nice to get sent down, but it was a clear message to work hard and get better,' he reflected. 'Being around the guys there was a good experience.'

Personal Challenges

Additionally, Husso has been managing not only the pressures of professional hockey but also the challenges of recent fatherhood. He and his wife welcomed their first child, a daughter, last November. Husso noted the difficulty of being away from his family during his time in the minors. 'They didn't come to GR, so it was hard to be away from them. But it’s hockey. It worked out for us,' he said.

Teammates' Support

His teammates, including captain Dylan Larkin, have expressed their support and appreciation for Husso's resilient attitude. 'It was hard to see him go down,' Larkin commented. 'He’s a great teammate and everyone loves him in this room. I expect a big performance out of him when he gets back in the net for us.'

Looking Ahead

As Husso prepares for his return, all eyes will be on him as he aims to make an impact in a crucial matchup against the Rangers. Will he reclaim his form and help the Red Wings secure a much-needed win? Hockey fans and analysts alike are eager to find out!