Forward Kris Draper will miss at least the next 10 days as he recovers from a sprained left knee injury that he suffered during the 2nd period of the Red Wings' 5-3 victory over the Calgary Flames Tuesday night.

"It was harmless," Draper told the Macomb Daily's Bruce MacLeod. "That's the frustrating thing... I don't know if I just kind of fell on it awkward and there was a twist, something like that. I've been hit a lot worse and been in a lot more vulnerable positions and didn't have anything happen."

The injury could present some formidable matchup problems as the Tampa Bay Lightning come to town on Thursday. Tampa Bay's top line consists of current NHL scoring leader Vincent Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis while the second line is centered by Brad Richards.

"When I play Z and Pav head-to-head with the other guy's top unit, if I don't have them available I've always got Draper," head coach Mike Babcock told MacLeod. "I always have two (lines). Suddenly, you have to do it differently."

Forward Dan Cleary speculated that Babcock may insert Johan Franzen on his line with Kirk Maltby -- if Maltby is healthy enough after suffering a shoulder injury Tuesday night and missing Wednesday's practice.

Maltby's status for Thursday's game is uncertain.

The status for forward Tomas Kopecky, however, is certain: He's been cleared to play after recovering from a minor shoulder injury. Forward Matt Ellis will remain out of the lineup but could return Tuesday against the Canadians.