Red Wings call up Jurco after hot streak with Griffins
Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill knows Tomas Jurco can shoot. He has seen him do it in the minors.
Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill knows Tomas Jurco can shoot. He has seen him do it in the minors.
“I’ve seen him shoot the puck the way he’s shooting it down there,” Blashill said. “I know he can score at this level if he gets the opportunities.”
Jurco will got another shot in the NHL. The forward was recalled today from the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins and will play Sunday against the Florida Panthers.
“He’s done a good job,” Blashill said. “He went down and did what we asked him to do. He went down and was great from all accounts. We wanted him to gain some confidence, and we think, obviously playing the way he’s played down there, he should come back with lots of confidence.”
Jurco, 22, was with the Griffins on a conditioning stint. He recorded five goals and four assists in five games, earning AHL Player of the Week honors on Nov. 23.
Blashill didn’t say whose spot Jurco would take against the Panthers or what line he would skate on.
“I’d say really what he needs to do to be successful regardless of line is skate, be on the forecheck, be physical and provide energy for the line that he’s on,” Blashill said. “Do a real good job being a net presence guy, make plays in the offensive zone and trap really hard, and he’s got the capability of doing all those things that will help him whether he’s in a top-nine role or a fourth-line role.”
Jurco tallied 18 points (three goals) in 63 games for the Wings last season.
Mrazek to start: Petr Mrazek will start in goal for the Wings on Sunday, Blashill said. ... Defenseman Jakub Kindl will re-join the lineup, according to Blashill.
Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.