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Green Hoping Ailments Are Behind Him

September 20, 2019, 12:55 PM ET [1 Comments]
Bob Duff
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Mike Green would like to just forget about his lost 2018-19 NHL campaign.

The Detroit Red Wings defenseman, who was rebounding from season-ending neck surgery, began last season battling a virus that had afflicted his liver.

Getting back into action, he then missed a dozen games due to a foot injury. Later in the year, the virus reactivated and Green was shut down for the remainder of the season on March 7.

Green, 33, was limited to 43 games last season. He’s missed 55 games over the past two seasons. Even with his 2018-19 absences, Green’s 26 points still placed him second on the team in scoring among rearguards.

He’d like to think all the injuries, illnesses and ailments are now behind him.

“I feel good,” Green told Mlive.com. “Really good. Trying to move on from last year. I had a good summer. I was able to recover.

“I feel a lot better and I’m ready to go now. All’s well.”

In reality, though, it hasn’t been all systems go for Green for all that long.

“It took awhile,” Green admitted. “About mid-July it started to feel good, so I ramped it up. There was enough time before camp to get going.”

He still shakes his head at how bad luck has touched on him so frequently over the past two seasons.

“It was frustrating but you just kind of try to stick with it and do everything you possibly can to get better and healthy,” Green said. “Fortunate enough, I am healthy. I’m lucky.

“It was a little bizarre but I feel good now and I’m not trying to think about it too much. I’m just trying to focus on this year and everything I can control.”

Detroit coach Jeff Blashill didn’t hesitate to pile the minutes on Green in his preseason debut on Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“There was no easing into it,” Green said. “I think it took some time to find my timing again and sort of the rhythm and flow of the game but once that sort of game, you settle in quickly.”

After being out for so long, Green is hopeful that the Wings will continue to push him during the preseason and suit him up for several games.

“As many as they want to play me,” Green said. “Obviously I didn’t play to finish the season last year, so I haven’t played in a while.

“I’m okay playing games.”

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