GOTTA SEE IT: Bertuzzi and Hicketts Double Back Body Drop

Little Joe Hicketts is at it again. In the Griffins’ 5-4 shootout loss to the Texas Stars, Hicketts and Tyler Bertuzzi came together to deliver a massive double back body drop to defenseman Matt Mangene.

The hit came in the overtime frame as Mangene tried to squeeze between Hicketts and Bertuzzi to get in alone on Giffins goaltender Tom McCollum. Evidently, he wasn’t familiar with how fearless the Griffins’ 5’8″ defenseman is.

Both Tyler Bertuzzi and Joe Hicketts are on the cusp of making the Red Wings roster. Hicketts had an explosive preseason and is patiently waiting for his first NHL call up. He has six points in 21 games, good for second among team defensemen. His fearless play results in many highlight-reel hits, such as these ones from a preseason game against the Maple Leafs:

As for Tyler Bertuzzi, many considered him to be a lock for the Red Wings roster this year after winning the AHL Playoff MVP last season. Unfortunately, Bertuzzi injured his wrist in the preseason, sidelining him for the first month of the season. In the 11 games that he’s played since his return, Bertuzzi has five goals and three assists. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him get the call-up at some point this season when Detroit makes a trade or is struggling with injuries. At this point, Bertuzzi has proven himself in the AHL and is ready for the next step.

These two players coming together to crush an opposition player like this could be foreshadowing what the future Red Wings will look like in a couple of years. Both players are on the right track to finding themselves in a Red Wings sweater soon.