Ericsson and Datsyuk on the ice, optional saturday morning skate

[Guest mindfly]

Ericsson and Datsyuk on the ice

Both Jonathan Ericsson, Pavel Datsyuk and Kris are out there for the morning skate. More to come on their status for tonight's Game 1.

It's an optional skate, so it's impossible to tell line combinations. The GR callups are out there as well. As usual for optionals, Mike Babcock isn't on the ice, nor are several of the regulars like Henrik Zetterberg, Nick Lidstrom or Brian Rafalski.

[Stiffy 0]

From now on when we sign any new D or top 6 forward, they need to have their appendix removed as part of the contract! :-)

Seriously, don't they do this with space station astronauts as a precaution?

[edicius 3,269]

According to Bruce, Ericsson said he's playing tonight. Dats is in the trainers' room right now and they've evaluating his status.

[Guest mindfly]

Update from Joe Louis Arena: Pavel Datsyuk partook in the morning skate, but Mike Babcock said Datsyuk isn't yet ready to play.

Datsyuk told me he's feeling better, but he is still having trouble with his turns. Kris Draper is also out because of a pulled groin. Ville Leino and Justin Abdelkader will fill in for Datsyuk and Draper.

s***!!!!!!!1

[greenrebellion 415]

Dats, Draper out....Lids Ericsson in.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=424316

Guess that's halfway decent. D corp will be back.

[b.shanafan14 733]

Lidstrom and Ericsson is all we could really ask for and I think that alone is terrific news, we are going to need two of our defensive studs back. Great TEAM defense, and unmatched scoring depth has gotten us here, now so long as those trends continue with the level of tenacity we've enjoyed through three rounds AND the likes of Hossa, Zetterberg, and Franzen stepping up their offensive game, the Red Wings are in great shape.

Malkin and Crosby have already peaked, can't see them producing anymore then they have been against the East, definitely not against the Red Wings. The Wings on the other hand have yet to play to potential, as great as they have been as a team. Should be interesting.

GO WINGS!

Edited May 30, 2009 by b.shanafan14

[Firehawk 305]

I'm jsut thankful we got our blue line back. I'm not all that worried about Datsyuk being out. We have a ton more deph in that area than we do with 2-3 Dmen injured...

[Aussie_Wing 354]

As long as we got one of Datsyuk and Lidstrom back I'd be happy, so I am. It obviosuly goes without saying thta Lidstrom is a massive inclusion, makes up for the loss of Datsyuk.

Leino and Abdelkader on the 4th line, I trust them but Babcock won't, means our top lines will see a LOT of ice-time. Imagine if the 4th line was out there and Crosby or Malkin were being double shifted, potential nightmare. Babcock will have to handle the line changes very, very smartly tonight.

[edicius 3,269]

Ericsson and Lebda are matched up against the Staal line, whereas Lids, Rafalski, Kronwall and Stuart get Crosby and Malkin. Ooooh, I want to see Malkin and/or Crosby get Kronwalled.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Ericsson and Lebda are matched up against the Staal line, whereas Lids, Rafalski, Kronwall and Stuart get Crosby and Malkin. Ooooh, I want to see Malkin and/or Crosby get Kronwalled.

Wow, when you reel off those names it makes you realise how much depth on defence we have!

[FinRedWing 172]

Wow,Leino actually playing. Win it for him.

[Theophany 110]

Wow,Leino actually playing. Win it for him.

Leino played in the last 2 games against Chicago.

[StevieY9802 6]

Sounds like Lidstrom and Ericsson in. Not sounding good about Pavel. Also read that Draper will take the pregame skate.

[zata20 4]

This isn't too bad. Hey IF we win the cup leino, abdelkader, and ericcson will get their names on the cup.

[Z Winged Dangler 2,082]

Ericsson and Lebda are matched up against the Staal line, whereas Lids, Rafalski, Kronwall and Stuart get Crosby and Malkin. Ooooh, I want to see Malkin and/or Crosby get Kronwalled.

crosby can get kronwalled

i'd like to see malkin get "stupified" stewie throws big hit's too, and we love 'em

cheers to hard hits and bloody penguins

[Zion 93]

Hits, yes, but TEAM DEFENSE.

Sammy, Huddles and Flip may be our offensive heroes in this one. Z, Franzenstein and Danny-Boy will have their hands full.

GO WINGS!!!!

[FinRedWing 172]

Leino played in the last 2 games against Chicago.

Meant this...

This isn't too bad. Hey IF we win the cup leino, abdelkader, and ericcson will get their names on the cup.

[russianswede919293 95]

MLive says that Ericsson is in and Datsyuk and Draper are out.