from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

When the Hurricanes had no new COVID positive tests Thursday morning — they were scheduled for one more round before the game — it clinched the fact the game would be played.

The Red Wings are without forwards Robby Fabbri and Michael Rasmussen in COVID protocol. The Hurricanes had six regulars out of the lineup due to protocol.

"Everybody wishes we weren't in this situation, but we are," coach Jeff Blashill said. "We have to focus on what we can control. There are two points on the line and one of those teams will get those two points. We have to find a way to stay focused and get two points."

The Wings recalled forwards Taro Hirose and Kyle Criscuolo from Grand Rapids to replace Fabbri and Hirose.

More: With new deal, Robby Fabbri happy to stick with Red Wings: 'I want to be part of it'

Blashill plans to make his final lineup decisions later this afternoon. He was adamant the Wings couldn't take Carolina lightly.

"We shouldn't have any thoughts other than that we have to play great hockey, and not worry about who they have or don't have in their lineup," Blashill said. "They'll play their hardest, extremely hard. We have to come in and play extremely hard."

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