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Injured Wisconsin center Nic Kerdiles is making a case to play this weekend, according to a tweet sent out Thursday from the Wisconsin State Journal's Andy Baggot.
Eaves says Kerdiles (shoulder) "awfully close'' and is lobbying to play for #Badgers vs. Michigan. Eaves said it'll be a game-time decision.
— Andy Baggot (@AndyBaggotWSJ) January 31, 2014
Kerdiles separated his shoulder Jan. 4 when he crashed into the boards awkwardly in a game vs. Alaska-Anchorage. The sophomore from Irvine, Calif., missed the series vs. Michigan the following weekend as well as the games last weekend vs. Ohio State.
Baggot noted earlier on Thursday that Kerdiles practiced all week in a non-contact jersey.
Wisconsin is on the road this week in Ann Arbor to play Michigan. Before coming to Madison, Kerdiles spent two years in Ann Arbor playing for the U.S. National Team Development Program.
If Kerdiles is given the green light on Friday it likely won't be with regular line mate Michael Mersch. Head coach Mike Eaves noted earlier in the week the Badgers were likely to keep Mersch together on a line with Jefferson Dahl. That duo has developed a nice chemistry during the seven games Kerdiles has missed due to injury and the World Junior Championships.
For more hockey coverage, follow Andy on Twitter -- Follow @AndyJohnsonB5Q
You can also reach Andy via e-mail (AndyJohnsonB5Q@gmail.com)
