Practice Notes: Updates on the Red Wings' Health and Lineup Heading into Chicago

This afternoon, the Detroit Red Wings (5-5-1) held practice before setting off for Chicago for tomorrow evening's game against the Blackhawks (5-7-1). Here's a look at how the Red Wings lined up during the afternoon's skate:

The headline there is that both Dylan Larkin and Patrick Kane returned to practice after both taking maintenance days Monday, not taking part in yesterday's session. That's no real surprise, after coach Derek Lalonde characterized each as suffering from "bumps and bruises" but stressing that there was no serious concern that they might be unavailable Wednesday night. One would think that was especially true for Kane, who would seem unlikely to miss a chance to play again in front of the United Center crowd, though of course it would be all but impossible to top last year's overtime winner in his first game in Chicago as a visitor.

One other topic of note from today's practice relates to Tyler Motte. Based on Lalonde's characterization, it sounds as though Motte (who has not played since Oct. 17) is now healthy enough to return from his upper body injury but still won't feature in tomorrow night's lineup. When asked about Motte's status, Lalonde said, "we're still probably gonna go with the 12 forwards we had in our last game...probably more to do with [playing] one of our more complete games" against the Sabres Saturday, suggesting that Motte will be a healthy scratch tomorrow night.

Lalonde also noted that Detroit will likely run back its same six defenseman from Saturday evening as well. That would mean a top pair of Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson, a second pair of Ben Chiarot and Jeff Petry, and a third pair of Albert Johansson and Erik Gustafsson, with Justin Holl as the healthy scratch.

Finally, Lalonde said that Cam Talbot will get the start in net.

Also from THN Detroit

What Would a Good November Look Like for the Red Wings?

Griffins Run Down: Lombardi & Cossa Continue to Impress, Even in Losing Streak

Despite Early Production, DeBrincat Sees Room for Improvement in his Game

Red Wings 2, Sabres 1: Game Notes

Larkin, Talbot Power Red Wings to 2-1 Win Over Visiting Sabres

As Return Nears, Motte Can Help Cure Ailing Red Wings Penalty Kill