DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader will return to the lineup after missing the first two games of their first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning because of a hand injury.

He also sat out the final four games of the regular season.

Justin Abdelkader is returning to the Red Wings' lineup for Game 3 after missing the first two games of the series vs. the Lightning. Dave Reginek/NHLI/Getty Images

His return gives coach Mike Babcock an opportunity to split up star forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, with Abdelkader projected to play on a line with Zetterberg and Gustav Nyquist.

"Abby is a big body, he's an every-dayer, he competes hard," Babcock said following Monday's practice. "He's a guy who is good at the net, he plays hard, he competes hard. I'm sure he's ready to go."

Abdelkader is coming off a regular season in which he scored a career-high 23 goals to go with 21 assists. He will bring a scoring threat to go with a physical presence the Red Wings could use up front.

"It's a new season," Abdelkader said. "I think my game suits the playoffs. I look forward to going out there."

Babcock said defenseman Brendan Smith will also return to the lineup. Smith was a healthy scratch for the two games in Tampa.

Game 3 between the Lightning and Red Wings is 7 p.m. Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena, in Detroit.