Miller back in lineup after getting 50 stitches

Tampa Bay Lightning's Ondrej Palat (18) takes a shot on goal against the defense of Detroit Red Wings' Drew Miller (20). (Duane Burleson/AP)

DETROIT — Red Wings forward Drew Miller was back in the Detroit lineup Thursday night, less than 48 hours after a collision required 50 stitches to close cuts near his right eye.

Miller caught the blade of Mark Stone’s skate early in Tuesday’s 2-1 shootout loss to Ottawa. He wanted to return for the third period after doctors finished dressing the wounds.

"The doctors and my wife came to the conclusion that I probably shouldn’t go back out; just for the sake of not ripping the stitches," Miller said.

Miller, who generally wears a visor, was in a full-face gear during warm-ups for Thursday’s game against Boston. The Red Wings began the night two points ahead of the Bruins for third place in the Atlantic Division.

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