The Red Wings will likely be without center Kris Draper until the start of the Stanley Cup playoffs after the forward experienced tightness in his groin at the start of practice this morning, reports MLive.com's Ansar Kahn. Head coach Mike Babcock told reporters that Draper didn't re-aggravate the injury that kept him out of the lineup from March 13-20, but that the former Selke winner "didn't like the feel."

The injury would leave three forwards out of the lineup due to various groin/abdominal injuries: Draper, Mikael Samuelsson and Tomas Holmstrom. Only Holmstrom is likely to return this week, with Thursday's home game against the Blue Jackets the target. Mikael Samuelsson remained off the ice today for treatment and may return for the season finale against Chicago on Sunday. That, however, is unlikely.

Defenseman Brad Stuart, the other Red Wings sidelined with an injury (broken finger), has practiced for two-straight days and took part in drills, though he sat out during 5-on-5s according to the Macomb Daily's Bruce MacLeod. He's still on track to return near the start of the playoffs.