RED WINGS

Weiss return brings Wings hoped-for offensive jolt

Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News
Detroit forward Stephen Weiss has four goals and six assists in 11 games this season.

Detroit —– Stephen Weiss returned to the Red Wings' lineup after missing the last four games with a shoulder injury.

Weiss' presence in the lineup was good news for the Red Wings, who need the offensive boost Weiss could provide but also the victories his presence has brought to the lineup.

With Wednesday's 6-3 victory over Buffalo, the Red Wings are 9-1-2 with Weiss in the lineup.

"I don't think it has much to do with me," Weiss said. "For whatever reason we got on a little bit of a hot streak there when I came back. Those things happen, whether I'm in the lineup or not in the lineup, or we're missing whoever. It's up to the rest of the guys to pull the boot straps and get it done.

"Sometimes you get hot and sometimes you struggle a bit. Right now we're struggling. Hopefully I can add a little bit of a spark."

Weiss scored his fifth goal of the season in Tuesday's victory, but only played almost nine minutes after being hit in the head in the third period by Buffalo defenseman Nikita Zadorov.

Weiss said after the game he was fine, and would be ready to play Saturday.

ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com

twitter.com/tkulfan