DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock is sticking with his third line for now, despite its struggles offensively the first three games.

Joakim Andersson, centering Daniel Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi, have no points and are a combined minus-8.

But they skated together in Monday’s practice and it appears the line will remain intact for Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Joe Louis Arena (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

“I thought they were OK in Boston,’’ Babcock said. “Are you saying ‘Are they ever going to get a point?’ Yeah, me too.

“I just think do good things and good things tend to happen. Every year we get excited about Pav (Datsyuk) never scoring in this game (early in the season) and look at the record book at the end of the year and he has 80 points every year.

“Let things evolve here and it’ll work out. I think they (third line) have played pretty hard.’’

Cleary said of the line: “It’s been OK. Obviously, you want to be good at both ends, but it’s three games in; not that concerned.”

Andersson said the line should create more scoring chances because Cleary and Bertuzzi are strong on the puck.

"We started the first game pretty good; we did play pretty good in the preseason together,'' Andersson said. "None of us are really happy with how we played last game and maybe not the game before either. We know we can do a lot better.

"We need to play strong on the puck and play more down low in their end and get there more often. I’m not happy that we’ve been on the ice when the other team has scored.''

Babcock likes the line’s size.

“Real good size, so we need to be physical, we need to be on the forecheck, we need to grind, we need to be at the net and we have to bang some pucks into the empty net,’’ Babcock said. “Do all those things and good things will happen to you. Bert and Clears have played on the power play most nights, too. They’ve had opportunity.’’

If Babcock opts for a change, one option would be to insert Tomas Tatar. He played 9:08 on the fourth line during his season debut in Saturday's 4-1 loss at Boston. But, based on the lines in practice Monday, Tatar looks to be a scratch for Thursday.

“Obviously, it’s kind of hard for the mind to stay in it (when you’re not playing much),’’ Tatar said. “Practice hard and focus and hopefully I’ll get in the lineup soon and stick there for a while.’’

Tatar said he doesn't expect to contribute much offensively playing limited minutes on the fourth line. He's just looking to create energy and not getting scored against.

"I just have to wait and hopefully I’ll get in full-time,'' Tatar said. "It’s not easy, but I kind of expected this would happen. I was mentally prepared for it so I just need to stay positive.''

Tatar was the playoff MVP during the Grand Rapids Griffins' run to the Calder Cup championship last season.

"What’s killing me is seeing other guys you’ve played against (in the AHL) playing all the time,'' Tatar said. "That’s kind of hard to watch them. They’re playing and scoring goals, like that (Cory) Conacher (he has one goal in two games with Ottawa).

"But I’m in Detroit and they’re one of the best teams in the world. I just have to stay with it and hopefully it’ll turn around. I’m going to work hard.''