Drew Miller in Red Wings lineup despite 50 stitches near eye

DETROIT (AP) Red Wings forward Drew Miller was back in the Detroit lineup Thursday night, less than 48 hours after a collision required 50 stiches 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.