Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports from the Red Wings' morning skate this AM that defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom is virtually certain to return this Sunday as Detroit faces Nashville. Lidstrom has been out of the lineup since February 18th with a sprained MCL in his right knee.

In other injury news, forward Dan Cleary (fractured jaw) -- who is reportedly close to agreeing to a five-year contract extension with the Red Wings worth between $2.5 to $3 million per season -- could return to the lineup sometime near the end of the month, about a week earlier than expected.

Defenseman Chris Chelios, who is suffering from a chipped right fibula, skated again this morning but still has no timetable to return. The important thing, Chelios said, is that the injury isn't getting worse. The 46-year old blueliner has had stiffness issues in the knee following skating.