VANCOUVER, British Columbia – To maximize Gustav Nyquist's offensive ability, the Detroit Red Wings will need to play him on one of their top two lines.

But, playing in the top six also means being matched up against better defensemen and, usually, having to defend more dangerous forwards.

“Is Gus ready for the top-six? I don’t know,'' coach Mike Babcock said before Saturday's 2-1 shootout loss in Vancouver. “We’ll find out if we need him in that spot.

“We've played him in the bottom-six forwards. When you don’t slot people in the right spot it’s hard to be as good.''

For now, Nyquist is getting comfortable playing on the third line, with Joakim Andersson and Damien Brunner. It was the Red Wings' most effective unit in Wednesday's 3-2 loss at Calgary, creating many scoring chances, including Nyquist's third goal of the season.

Babcock also praised that line's effort following Saturday's game.

“Me and Brunner try to use our speed as much as possible, get the puck deep and work the D-men down low; that's what all three of us are good at,'' Nyquist said. “And finding some soft spots in the middle for a shot. That's a big part of my game, to use my speed, and that's what I'm trying to do.''

Said Babcock: “Nyquist obviously is a guy who's getting more and more confidence.''

Nyquist's confidence didn't waver when he was sent to the Grand Rapids Griffins at the start of the season, or when he was recalled twice only to be shipped back after one game.

The Red Wings gave Tomas Tatar an extended look from Feb. 5 to March 10. And Andersson, a bigger, gritty third-line center, fills a different role, which is why he's played every game since being promoted on Feb. 8.

But, Nyquist remains the organization's most skilled forward prospect, at least in North America. He has gotten more of an opportunity the second half of the season, appearing in all but two games since his latest recall on March 12.

“I got a great opportunity here to play and I'm just learning every game,'' Nyquist said. “The more games you play the more comfortable you feel. You know what you can do at certain times.''

DeKeyser's puck-moving ability vital

Without Nicklas Lidstrom and Brad Stuart on defense, the Red Wings have spent more time in their own zone because they're not nearly as efficient at moving the puck. That is an area in which rookie Danny DeKeyser has helped.

“You hear about some D-man, for example, that blocks 900 shots a year,'' Babcock said. “Well, he rims (the puck) up the boards and then he blocks the shot.

“I like the D-man who goes back, gets the puck and stands on the offensive blue line. The guy who never plays any time in his own zone.''

DeKeyser is not flashy. He plays a simple game. He gets the puck out of the zone quickly without turning it over.

“He skates so good that he just goes and gets (the puck) and plays in the other zone,'' Babcock said. “That, to me, is what you’re looking for when you’re looking at a D-man.

“So, have we spent more time than we would like to in our own zone? Absolutely at times. And at times we’ve been real good. But, getting back for the puck, executing the first time, is critical to being successful. And your team looks fast when you do, and pretty slow when you don’t.”