Jedi

Still a bit early to rule Helm in, though. Helm still leaving a bit of wiggle room if he isn't ready to go. https://twitter.com/#!/DetroitRedWings

And Ansar Khan...

Bob McKenzie's reporting the same... And Ansar Khan...

Per TSN's Bob McKenzie...

Hal Gil will be a gametime decision tonight. https://twitter.com/#!/AnsarKhanMLive/status/190108970957029376

Sympathy for the Devil - Rolling Stones

That's almost as bad as that loser blogger in Phoenix that two years in a row BEGGED Wings fans not to wear red during the Coyote's "White Out" games at home. I say almost, because at least this campaign will donate the traded in jerseys to a Detroit charity. They will probably get some people who take advantage of the deal, but I'm not sure any of them are truly "committing to the Predators". I've got more than a few spare jerseys, and if I had any kind of interest in the Nashville franchise, I might be tempted to take advantage. IF...

There's a big difference between practicing with teammates in full contact drills (when you know they aren't going to go completely 100% at anyone, regardless of how healthy/injured they are), and playing in a playoff game against an opponent that KNOWS he's fresh off an MCL strain. Any opponent in the playoffs would be gunning for Helm, doing what they can to knock him out of the series. (Think Pronger going after Stevie in '02). That said, there is some buzz that Helm could be back for game 1... http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2012/04/red_wings_darren_helm_says_the.html

To further the "won't rule out game 1 return" line... https://twitter.com/#!/DetroitRedWings/status/189770773710389249

Seems to be on target for a game 2 return, from all that I've seen. Ansar Khan indicated that Babcock hadn't ruled out a game 1 return from Helm, but with all the talk about game 2, I think it would be best to stick to that plan.

Not only is Helm skating, he's skating without the grey "no-contact" jersey. Though, per Helene St. James, he's still likely out for game 1. https://twitter.com/#!/freepwings/status/189748572651139072 https://twitter.com/#!/freepwings/status/189751491567943682

Seems like Helm's getting closer and closer to returning. He stated earlier that he was targeting Game 2. https://twitter.com/#!/AnsarKhanMLive/status/189748815325171712 https://twitter.com/#!/DetroitRedWings/status/189749607213961216

Entertaining Angels - Newsboys

A little source material, since OP is too livid to provide it... http://www.freep.com/article/20120409/SPORTS05/120409039/1053/sports05

My desk at work is ready for the playoffs.

She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=625381

When Mermaids Cry - Eagle Eye Cherry

Some interesting (albeit, incorrect) trivia From the Red Wings' official site... It does mention at the bottom of the article that Smith was suspended 8 games earlier in the year (3 in the pre-season, and 5 in the regular season). Perhaps their definition of "For-the-first-time-in-more-than-eight-years" isn't including suspensions handed out in the pre-season?

Only Wanna Be With You - Hootie & The Blowfish

Still the same one, I believe, as it's all stemming from the one penalty.

We might not hear any more about this today. The Wings don't play again until Wednesday, so the league might not be in any rush to hold the hearing. Since we're only hearing about it today, it wouldn't surprise me if the hearing isn't until tomorrow.

Which is ironic, since Quincey will likely get less than the 8 games that Brendan Smith got at the beginning of the year (although, only 5 were in the regular season).