By Chuck Pleiness Digital First Media

DETROIT Jakub Kindl again found a way to work his way out of the Wings starting lineup.

We just want him to compete hard defensively, be good defensively and not let people behind him, Wings coach Mike Babcock said.

Kindls benching lasted all of two games because of a long-term injury Jonathan Ericsson suffered and hell be back along the blue line Saturday when Detroit plays at Florida.

Ive just got to work harder, compete more, Kindl said.

Instead of calling up a defenseman from Grand Rapids, the Wings will go with the six healthy ones they have.

Ericsson is expected to be out three to five weeks with two fractured ribs he suffered in Mondays 3-0 loss to the New York Islanders.

And just like last season, Kindl has found himself behind Brian Lashoff on the Wings blue line depth chart.

After missing the first three games last season with an injured groin, he was a healthy scratch in four of the next 14, sitting behind Lashoff.

Well hes just a simple player, Babcock said of Lashoff. Hes got to be real good in his own zone. He cant be in the chances against highlights, just cant be in them, and if hes not in them then were happy because hes not going to do much for you offensively.

Link:

DETROIT RED WINGS: Jakub Kindl heads to the bench