Detroit Red Wings complete transaction moments after loss to Hurricanes

The Detroit Red Wings didn't get the result that they were looking for in last night's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Red Wings lost 2-1 in what was a mostly defensive slugfest against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, and have now lost ground in the playoff race and their own division.

Following the game, the Red Wings immediately completed a transaction that means they could be welcoming back a key piece of the forward line combinations. They sent down forward Sheldon Dries to the Grand Rapids Griffins:

Dries served as an extra forward on the roster, but didn't see any playing time.

The Red Wings have played without Michael Rasmussen since late last month when he took a dirty blindside hit to the head from Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras; Dries being sent down could signal that Rasmussen may be ready to play by the time they play the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday.

They're already playing the rest of the year without forward Andrew Copp, who was hurt in the previous game against the Minnesota Wild and was forced to undergo pectoral surgery.

The Red Wings are now 4th overall in the Atlantic Division at 30-25-6, and have now lost 3-straight games in regulation, the longest losing streak under coach Todd McLellan since he took over the team behind the bench on December 26.

It goes without saying, but Thursday's matchup against Utah is now considered a must-win.