40#1Fan

According to the Detroit Free Press: Cleary won't play tomorrow, but will return on Tuesday; Draper probably will play tomorrow and Mac and Flip are to return next Friday. Homer is getting close, but a date wasn't mentioned for him.

update from MLIVE: Update from the morning skate in Nashville: Defenseman Brad Stuart is out for the rest of the regular season, and possibly the start of the playoffs, with a non-displaced fracture in one of his fingers, general manager Ken Holland said. It happened during the third period of Wednesday's game when he blocked a shot. They're not revealing which finger or which hand. Holland said doctors told him Stuart would be out three-to-six weeks. The team believes it'll be closer to three weeks. He'll resume skating by the middle of next week. Coach Mike Babcock said Chris Chelios will take Stuart's spot on the second pairing with Niklas Kronwall, at least initially, while Andreas Lilja is paired with Brett Lebda. None of the team's injured forwards will return tonight, so Derek Meech will play up front again. They're hoping Kris Draper (groin) can return Saturday in Columbus. Holland said there's a slim chance that Dan Cleary (fractured jaw) could play Saturday, but added that it's more likely to be next Tuesday in St. Louis or a week from today at home against the Blues. It'll depend on how he feels after having the wires surgically removed from his mouth on Monday. Valtteri Filppula (twisted knee, groin) said he feels better but, naturally, they're not taking any chances. Tomas Holmstrom (strained abdominal muscles) won't play Saturday but should be back next week. They believe Darren McCarty (ribs) will be ready for the last three or four games of the season.

From Kuklas: Forwards Kris Draper (groin), Tomas Holmstrom (groin), Dan Cleary (jaw) and Darren McCarty (ribs) are unavailable and Wings coach Mike Babcock hinted that some other forwards may not be ready to play tonight. I just talked to Ken Holland and he said Valterri Filppula has a sore groin and likely won’t play tonight or tomorrow as a precaution. Holland said he didn’t think it was as serious as Draper’s groin injury. “I don’t have any other options,” Babcock said. “I’m out of bodies so I brought Helm back to fill in and you gotta dress 20 players.”

From the Detroit News: Derek Meech will go from playing defense to forward Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Meech, who last played up front as a 16-year-old in junior hockey, will be pressed to action because of injuries. Coach Mike Babcock wouldn't reveal who is unable to play, but hinted more than one forward is banged up. "We'll know more about it tonight," Babcock said. "We have some players who obviously aren't 100 percent. If they can play without hurting themselves, or putting themselves in a bad spot, we'll see after the warmup who is going." Meech's reaction? "It'll be awesome," Meech said. "I'm really excited about being in the lineup again. It's an opportunity to get back in the lineup and help the team." Babcock said Aaron Downey, who missed two games last weekend with the flu, will play against Columbus, as will Darren Helm. The Wings brought back Helm because Kris Draper (groin) isn't ready to play, and likely won't until Saturday in Columbus.

Per Kuklas: Update 11:01am PT: Per NHL Live, it’s been announced that Chris Pronger does have a hearing this afternoon before the NHL, regarding this incident. More later.

from MLIVE: Update from Wednesday's practice: Dominik Hasek won't start against Dallas Thursday, as originally planned, due to a sore back, coach Mike Babcock said. Hasek left practice early but said it's nothing serious, he just needs a couple of days off. He's hoping to be ready for Saturday's game against Nashville. Chris Osgood will start against the Stars. "My back, I felt it the last few days and it didn't get better, so I decided to leave the ice and get treatment,'' Hasek said. "I don't think it's anything serious. I don't know if I'll be ready for tomorrow, if I won't be I definitely want to be ready for Saturday's game. I just didn't feel well today on the ice.'' Valtteri Filppula was given a day off for "maintenance'' coach Mike Babcock said. Filppula's leg has been sore but Babcock said he will definitely play Thursday. Andreas Lilja, who might have been scratched anyway, missed practice with the flu and won't play tomorrow, as Brett Lebda was scheduled to be back in the lineup anyway.

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/03/ar..._to_new_yo.html Are the Wings headed to New York for an outdoor game? Posted by George James Malik March 10, 2008 10:59AM According to the New York Daily News's John Dellapina, it's entirely possible that the Detroit Red Wings will be heading to Yankee Stadium to play the New York Rangers in an outdoor game next season: March 10, New York Daily News: The House that Ruth Built is on track to be the house the Rangers bring down. As the current Rangers continue to drive down the stretch of this season, what is shaping up as a historic 2008-09 schedule now is expected to include a game at Yankee Stadium. Momentum has built in recent weeks toward finalizing a deal that would have the Rangers play the final game in the storied history of the current Stadium, the Daily News has learned. The Yankees, who will move into their new Yankee Stadium for the 2009 baseball season, are said to be completely on board with having the NHL close the 85-year-old original. And, anxious to build upon the buzz created by the wildly successful Winter Classic outdoor game between Pittsburgh and Buffalo at Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Year's Day, NBC and the NHL are intent upon seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. League and network representatives visited the Stadium recently to get an on-site view of what would need to be done to stage the event. "It's something we've spoken both to the Yankees and to the city about," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told The News. "But it's not a done deal. There are still other possibilities and a lot of moving pieces." The Rangers' opponent for the game, while not yet set, appears unlikely to be either the Islanders or the Devils. That is because both the network and the league believe it would generate greater ratings to include a team from another U.S. television market. The Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings are believed to be likely candidates in a game that would be a nod to the NHL's fabled Original Six roots. Of course, representatives from the league's other American-based Original Six franchise, the Chicago Blackhawks, recently made it clear that they are extremely interested in hosting an outdoor game. However, the chance to close Yankee Stadium clearly pushes New York and the Rangers to the front of NBC's and the NHL's wish lists for next winter

http://redwingscorner.blogspot.com/ -- Nicklas Lidstrom said that he felt great and is still on track for playing Sunday. The team will decide after Saturday's practice if Lidstrom has recovered fully from his sprained MCL to return this weekend. -- Chris Chelios (chipped fibule) said that he felt significant improvement. Chelios said that he feels he might be ready for Sunday, but it doesn't look like he'll dress for that game. Next Tuesday's game is a possibility for his return. Both Chelios and Lidstrom took part in battle drills today. -- Darren McCarty was at Joe Louis Arena getting some medical attention for his injured ribs. McCarty might play for Grand Rapids tomorrow. He'll be with the Red Wings starting next Monday when his two-week conditioning stint is done. -- Valtteri Filppula did not practice today. He has a leg injury, but coach Mike Babcock said that Filppula will be ready to play Sunday. -- Tomas Kopecky is fine and took part in the full practice. Kopecky had his bell rung by a hit (called dirty by Kopecky) when he didn't have the puck in the final minute of Wednesday's game. Kopecky said that he was groggy and remained sore the next day, but is back to 100 percent.

MID-PRACTICE UPDATE: Lidstrom took part in the first few non-contact drills and has now left the ice. Ditto for Chelios. Neither was expected to take part in the full practice today, so just participating in the early portion is a good sign of improvement

Found this interesting from Sports Illustrated: Usually, the little moves by the best teams make the biggest difference. So it appears that Detroit's Ken Holland helped himself the most. The veteran GM got a top-four defenseman in Brad Stuart, a player who can log tons of minutes, play both ways, and quarterback a power play. The Red Wings have an excellent power-play man in Nick Lidstrom, but he's been injured of late and though he's expected back, Stuart can easily slide between the first and second unit when called upon. He's also very good with the long first-strike pass, a play vital to a fast-moving, puck-control team like the Wings. Stuart also gives them nine defensemen with solid NHL experience. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...ne.notes/2.html

From today's skate: -- Either Mark Hartigan or Aaron Downey will be the scratch up front tonight. Coach Mike Babcock said that he'll wait until after the pregame skate to decide. -- Sunday's starter in net hasn't been decided either. Babcock said that who starts from here on out is "up to Dom" meaning how Dominik Hasek plays will dictate the goalie schedule. Hasek is making his first start since returning from a hip flexor injury. Hasek said that the hip flexor impedes his ability to go up and down. -- Brad Stuart and Niklas Kronwall will match up against the Joe Thornton line as will center Henrik Zetterberg. -- Derek Meech will be on the ice as much as possible when Pavel Datsyuk's line is out to make sure that the puck moved forward quickly. -- Defenseman Brian Rafalski (groin) took part in the entire morning skate but will not play tonight

More notes from Thursday's practice ... -- Niklas Kronwall (shoulder) will play Friday against the San Jose Sharks. It will be Kronwall's first game since Jan. 30. -- Kyle Quincey was sent down to Grand Rapids after practice. That means that the six defensemen Friday will likely be ... Kronwall-Stuart Meech-Lilja Ericsson-Lebda -- Chris Chelios surprised even his coach by participating in the full practice. He was supposed to just take part in conditioning drills. "We had too many D out there," said Mike Babcock. "Haven't said that in a while." -- Dan Cleary (broken jaw) was at the rink for the first time since getting injured in Toronto. Cleary said that he lost 15 pounds and has only been able to eat soft pastas and soups. He's hoping to play in the final three games of the regular season. Cleary said that he's looking at Sunday or Monday as a return date for skating. -- Dominik Hasek will start Friday's game. -- Nicklas Lidstrom (sprained MCL) didn't skate, but did lifting exercises that involved his legs. -- Broadcaster Mickey Redmond will return to the booth for tomorrow's game after having surgery on his lungs

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/02/ma...alski_join.html The Wings' medical staff was due to give Brian Rafalski's groin "more tests" (i.e. an ultrasound to look for tears) when the team returned home, at least according to Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland, but "Raffy" and Chris Chelios, who's been sidelined with swelling in his calf from a chip fracture on the back of his knee, both joined the now-recovered Niklas Kronwall at practice. The Macomb Daily's Bruce MacLeod explains: February 28, RedWingsCorner: On the ice for Thursday's practice at Joe Louis Arena (an unusual 3 p.m.) are Chris Chelios, Niklas Kronwall and Brian Rafalski. So is newcomer Brad Stuart, meaning nine defensemen (no Nicklas Lidstrom) are at practice. Stuart led the Red Wings' stretching exercises (one player does each practice) to hoots and hollers from his new teammates. MID-PRACTICE UPDATE: Rafalski left the ice when drills started. Obviously his groin is still limiting him. Here are the defense pairings for the drills ... Kronwall-Stuart Meech-Lilja Ericsson-Lebda Quincey-Chelios It's pretty safe to suggest that Rafalski and Chelios are still a "ways away" (a week? That's my educated guess), but it's good to know that they're participating in practice again.

MID-PRACTICE UPDATE: Rafalski left the ice when drills started. Obviously his groin is still limiting him. Here are the defense pairings for the drills ... Kronwall-Stuart Meech-Lilja Ericsson-Lebda Quincey-Chelios

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/20...turning_to.html An automatic external defibrillator helped save Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jiri Fischer's life when he collapsed during a game nearly three years ago. On Saturday, the hockey champion will make his first public appearance on the ice since his heart stopped beating. He will raise money to bring devices like the one that revived him to rinks, schools and nonprofit agencies across mid-Michigan. Fischer will join doctors and paramedics in a 5 p.m. charity hockey game at The Dow Event Center's Wendler Arena, 303 Johnson, Saginaw. "This is the first time Jiri has played in a game since he collapsed, and we're honored he chose to do it in Saginaw," said Saginaw Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin. Organizers include Saginaw-based Michigan CardioVascular Institute Foundation and Mobile Medical Response, and the Ontario Hockey League's Spirit. Players from MVCI and MMR will square off for "Shocks and Saves." "We feel we'll raise anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 for Jiri's foundation," Goslin said. "Jiri will play half the game for the Shocks and half for the Saves." Fischer's Healthy Hope Foundation is the beneficiary. The Spirit's 7:11 p.m. game against the Windsor Spitfires follows the contest. Buy $10 tickets, at the Spirit office, 5789 State, through 5 p.m. Friday or TheDow Event Center box office. They include admission to the Spirit game. Fischer, from the Czech Republic, was a first-round draft choice in 1998 and skated with the Red Wings as they won their 2002 Stanley Cup. He remains a member of the team, though he hasn't played in a game since his collapse. Dr. Anthony Colucci, Red Wings team physician and a representative of the Healthy Hope Foundation, was at Fischer's side directing a team of medics who used a defibrillator to shock Fischer's heart back into operation when he collapsed on the bench after a routine turn on the ice during a Nov. 21, 2005, game against the Nashville Predators at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena. Colucci said he'll attend Saturday's game "to keep an eye on him." The defibrillators cost about $2,000 each, but with a discount from the manufacturer through Healthy Hope, $15,000 already donated will buy at least 15 units for the region, said Diane M. Fong, cq executive director of the MCVI foundation. Priority for placement will go to ice arenas, in keeping with Fischer's mission, and then to schools and other agencies, she said. Fischer visited Saginaw and signed autographs in December to raise money for his foundation, Fong said. There, he met Dr. Peter G. Fattal, an invasive cardiologist with MCVI and an MCVI Foundation board member, and hatched the idea for the game, she said. At the time, Fischer hadn't decided to play. He recently decided to make his hockey comeback in Saginaw, Goslin said. In addition to the charity game, those who attend may participate in a free health screening from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at TheDow. Colucci and Fattal will talk about heart health awareness in the Blue Line Club after the Shocks and Saves game, prior to the Spirit contest. Also taking part in the charity game are Don Edwards, winner of the annual Vezina trophy to the National Hockey League's top goalie, now general manager of the Saginaw Spirit, and Warren Rychel, a retired NHL player and former Saginaw Hawk who is vice president and general manager of the Windsor Spitfires. Public ice arenas, schools or nonprofit agencies in mid- and northeastern Michigan interested in receiving an automatic external defibrillator should contact the MCVI Foundation at (989) 754-3319 to request an application.

Update today from Kuklas: The Ducks could have a short-term hole on defense in light of their revelation that captain Chris Pronger underwent surgery Monday to repair a "small fracture" in his jaw suffered in Sunday's 6-3 victory over visiting Chicago. "It's not clear how much time he will miss," Burke said. "It's certainly not expected to be lengthy. A game or two is the expectation at this time

February 25, USA Today: With 30 hours to go before the trade deadline, Brad Richards remains the most talked-about name in the NHL trade market and the Atlanta Thrashers now might not decide where to trade Marian Hossa until Tuesday. Originally, the Thrashers were aiming to make the decision Monday, but the expectation is there will now be increased interest in Hossa because Mats Sundin is staying in Toronto. As of 11 a.m. Monday, the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings, in this order, are the teams that I believe have the best chance of acquiring Hossa, but the favorites could be knocked off quickly if some team makes an offer that wows general manager Don Waddell off his feet. The San Jose Sharks have seemed like a team in search of a trade for months, and they have the assets to be a force in any trade they pursue http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/02/al..._3rd_in_ru.html

By Ted Kulfan Darren McCarty has officially signed with the Red Wings. McCarty drove from Grand Rapids where he has been playing with the Wings' minor league affiliate Griffins - early Monday to officially sign the contract at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings website said McCarty ran into Nicklas Lidstrom out of the line up currently with a knee sprain in the locker room. "It's nice to come back and see some familiar faces," McCarty told the website. "It's just the beginning and I plan, when get up, to help this team win." McCarty will rejoin Griffins and continue on a two-week conditioning assignment. General manager Ken Holland said McCarty will be called up to the Wings some time in March

Hasek, Rafalski put on IR to facilitate Ericsson, Hartigan call-ups Posted by George James Malik February 20, 2008 14:19PM According to DetroitRedWings.com's Ryan Doehrty, the Wings have put Brian Rafalski and Dominik Hasek on the injured reserve list, retroactive to their respective injuries, in order to create roster space to recall Jonathan Ericsson and Mark Hartigan from Grand Rapids: February 20, DetroitRedWings.com: Red Wings Assistant General Manager Jim Nill just told me that both Brian Rafalski and Dominik Hasek have been put on IR. Forward Mark Hartigan and defenseman Jonathan Ericsson have been called up from Grand rapids, and are already on their way to Detroit. Nill also confirmed that both Hartigan and Ericsson will practice with the Red Wings tomorrow before leaving for Calgary.

here's a little bit about Ericsson: He's very skilled and he's a big man," said Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey, who has played with Ericsson in Grand Rapids. "Fans are actually going to enjoy watching him. For a big guy like that he can play well on both ends of the rink. He played forward on the power play for us for about a month." http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/02/th...rom_update.html

February 20, DetroitRedWings.com: Red Wings Assistant General Manager Jim Nill just told me that both Brian Rafalski and Dominik Hasek have been put on IR. Forward Mark Hartigan and defenseman Jonathan Ericsson have been called up from Grand rapids, and are already on their way to Detroit. Nill also confirmed that both Hartigan and Ericsson will practice with the Red Wings tomorrow before leaving for Calgary. There's been no indication as to whether a forward is hurt, but you don't recall Hartigan to sit. It's also worth noting that Rafalski and Hasek are on the IR retroactively, so they don't have to sit for another week--they can return whenever they're healthy.

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/02/mo...nwall_clos.html MLIVE is stating Kronwall might be available for the Calgary game on Friday. Brian Rafalski skated for about 15 minutes at the beginning of practice and then left the ice. Niklas Kronwall looked good shooting the puck, and he also participated in the scrimmage at the end of practice.

more from MLIVE. Says Lids is out "up to 3 weeks" http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2008/02/re..._discusses.html

This is a bit more encouraging from the Detroit News: Here's the story I just filed moments ago...Lidstrom looks good and seems definite about the 3 week timeframe. Nicklas Lidstrom will be out of the Red Wings line up for approximately three weeks with a sprained right knee. Lidstrom was hit hard into the boards by Colorado's Ian Laperriere in the first period and suffered the injury when he fell awkwardly onto the ice. Baseline tests thus far have ruled out a concussion, said Lidstrom, who still has one more such test Thursday. The Wings are awaiting one more set of tests concerning the knee which were done Wednesday morning, but three weeks seems like a definite timeframe. Wings doctors don't expect to find anything more than a sprained ligament. "I was hoping for something shorter but right now they're saying three weeks," said Lidstrom, who was wearing a brace on the knee. "They think it's just a sprain. It's a little sore walking around. "It'll be different (not playing). I won't be making the road trips, sitting at home and watching, and that'll be different." Lidstrom didn't think Laperriere's hit was dirty, although Laperriere did follow through with an elbow. With Lidstrom out, and the status of defenseman Brian Rafalski (groin) and Niklas Kronwall (clavicle) both day to day, coach Mike Babcock said the Wings have called up defenseman Jonathan Ericsson from Grand Rapids. Dominik Hasek (hip flexor) remained off the ice and Babcock said there's no timetable on a return for Hasek until the goalie gets on the ice. Dallas Drake was given the day off to spend with his family, and Babcock gave Pavel Datsyuk a day off for rest. Babcock also also told Henrik Zetterberg to stay away Wednesday, but Zetterberg came to the rink anyway. "Sometimes they just don't listen," Babcock said.

from MLIVE: Update from practice Wednesday: Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom addressed the media after having an MRI on his right knee. Lidstrom said doctors estimate he'll be out three weeks with an MCL sprain. He is scheduled to undergo baseline testing later today but said he doesn't believe he has a concussion. The Wings recalled defenseman Jonathan Ericsson from Grand Rapids because Brian Rafalski (strained groin) and Niklas Kronwall (sprained clavicle) aren't ready to play Friday in Calgary. Dominik Hasek (inflamed hip flexor) still hasn't practiced, decreasing the chances of him being able to play during this three-game Western Canada trip. Coach Mike Babcock said Chris Osgood will start against the Flames.