Red Wings Scratching Michael Rasmussen Against Panthers

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Following some early-season success, the Detroit Red Wings are now in a funk, having dropped their last four contests, all in regulation. 

During two of those games, they held the lead in the third period, but were unable to close things out. Additionally, they've scored a total of five goals during that four-game stretch, which included a shutout loss against the former rival Colorado Avalanche.

For Thursday's matchup against the Panthers, the Red Wings are making a lineup change, with forward Michael Rasmussen sitting in the press box at Amerant Bank Arena while Carter Mazur returns. 

The lineup change was confirmed by Detroit Free Press beat writer Helene St. James, who is on the scene in Fort Lauderdale. 

According to head coach Todd McLellan, Rasmussen has recently found himself "in the wrong spot at the wrong time" over the last few games.

"Michael's played really strong; the last few haven't been as good," McLellan said via St. James. "He's ended up in the wrong spot at the wrong time, at the scene of the crime. We just want to give Maz a chance to go." 

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Rasmussen has one goal and three assists in 17 games played so far this season, and has a minus-nine rating while averaging 15:51 of ice time per game. 

Mazur draws back into the lineup against the Panthers; earlier this month, he scored his first career goal against Florida in Detroit's most recent win 10 days prior on Nov. 2. 

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