Practice update, Ericsson will play, Rafalski is probable

[Guest mindfly]

Update from Honda Center this morning: Brian Rafalski and Jonathan Ericsson both skated, and at least Ericsson said he’s good to go for tonight’s Game 6 against the Ducks.

Ericsson was hit on his right foot by a shot in Game 5 and didn't practice Monday, but a modified boot and treatment has left him ready to play.

"I tried to skate out there and it was better to skate than walk around," Ericsson said. "If the coach wants me in there, I'll play.

"There's no pressure at all where I got the puck, and it feels a lot better. There's swelling, but I've had medications and treatment pretty much from the time I got hit, so it's been taking the swelling down a lot."

Rafalski has been sidelined the whole series by an undisclosed injury, but has skated three straight days now. He’s still a game-time decision, but given that Derek Meech only played 3:19 in Game 5, it’s hard to think the Wings won’t insert Rafalski, because let’s face it, even if he only plays seven shifts, that’s one more than Mike Babcock entrusted to Meech Sunday.

"It would give us a boost," NIklas Kronwall said of Rafalski maybe coming back, "especially on the power play, we've been missing him there. Hopefully we can take advantage of him back in the lineup. He's also got a great first pass and is really solid defense

[Ms_Hockey 0]

Dear God, please let him be in!

[Dabura 12,232]

PP awaketh.

[Motown4013 350]

Great news...crossing fingers!!!

WINGS IN SIX!

[wingslogo19 281]

Good to hear that Ericsson will be in the lineup

[Echolalia 2,961]

It sounds more like the opinion of the journalist that Rafalski will play tonight, and not so much the view of a professional. Still, I can't help but be excited.

[stormboy 47]

given that Derek Meech only played 3:19 in Game 5, it’s hard to think the Wings won’t insert Rafalski, because let’s face it, even if he only plays seven shifts, that’s one more than Mike Babcock entrusted to Meech Sunday.

QFT. why not have him play? since we're basically working with 5 d-men right now as it is, at least give raffi a bit of game time so that if/when we advance to round three, he'll have seen some game action before game one (assuming we get that far, of course).

don't expect to see a huge difference on the PP--he will have an impact, but he won't be in 100% game shape tonight and i think his effect on the PP has been a bit exaggerated here. still, there's no arguing our PP is better with rafalski then with out it, so long has he's not consistently ******* up keep-ins.

didn't know big e got hurt. glad it's nothing major.

[Vladifan 680]

Thanks for the update, Mindfly!

[MidMichSteve 1,115]

Update from Honda Center this morning: Brian Rafalski and Jonathan Ericsson both skated, and at least Ericsson said he’s good to go for tonight’s Game 6 against the Ducks.

That is, indeed, good news.

I didn't realize Big E was injured either. That would have been a major setback.

Thanks for the heads-up.

[RedWingedKitten 9]

You know it's a good day when Mindfly brings you good news. (jk MF)

I know what Ericsson means when he says it's easier to skate then walk. I have had a lot of stuff happen to my feet where I found it was easier to skate then walk. I think it has something to do with how the foot rolls when you're walking.

[Zion 93]

Rafalski is amazing at keep-ins. I'm not worried.

Play the man!

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

Ericsson should start a fight right away and get the players fired up!

[uk_redwing 495]

Ericsson should start a fight right away and get the players fired up!

I like your style.

Why not just have a 6 man brawl from the start for the lulz?