Holmstrom Back Next Week?

[Pat 44]

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100123/SP...s-ready-to-roll

Detroit --The Red Wings woke up Friday above the playoff cut line for the first time since Dec. 22.

Their 4-3 shootout victory over the Wild on Thursday, coupled with the Flames' sixth consecutive loss, tucked them into the eighth spot in the West. The Wings and Flames have 58 points, but the Wings have played one fewer game.

"You know, I am a big believer in building a foundation and then working to get better each and every day," coach Mike Babcock said. "That's what I've been doing for 21 years of coaching and for the most part it's worked out pretty good."

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The Wings have ridden out a rash of injuries, power-less power plays and long scoring droughts and suddenly, it feels like the clouds are breaking.

"This is as positive as I've been about our team all year long," Babcock said, before the Wings beat the Wild.

Here's why:

With injured players gradually returning -- Niklas Kronwall and Tomas Holmstrom could be back next week, and Jason Williams and Johan Franzen are expected back before the Olympic break -- the Wings have been able to hit a few more gears on offense.

They've averaged 35 shots the last five games, are playing faster with the puck and holding onto it for longer stretches, and playing less chip-and-chase and grinding and more of the flowing puck-possession.

The puck isn't going into the net as often as they need it to, but the chances have been there.

"When the guys were skating (Thursday morning, an optional pre-game skate), I was running around up top and I saw Mule (Franzen) slamming one over somebody's shoulder and I saw Willie slam one over somebody's shoulder," Babcock said. "I know Homer was back home and he and Kronwall will be back soon.

"I am not worried one bit about us scoring goals."

As long as the defense continues to be stout, and there's no reason to think it won't, the Wings might want to get a little greedy the next few weeks. They have a chance not only to solidify their foothold in the top eight, but should be able to take a healthy run at No. 4.

The Kings, whom they play tonight, occupy the seventh spot (59 points) and play their next five games on the road.

No. 6 Nashville (61) is on a four-game trip which will end in Detroit next Friday.

No. 5 Vancouver (62) has an unrelenting road schedule. It plays its last eight games before the break on the road, and then stays on the road for six after the break.

No. 4 Phoenix (63) plays at East-leading Washington tonight, at Detroit on Tuesday and six of its last eight on the road before the break.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100123/SP...l#ixzz0dS3XEkaE

[CenterIce 83]

I will believe it when I see it, and hopefully, they are completely healthy. However, it would be nice if it comes true.

[rage 24]

Great article. Thanks for posting it!

Things sure are looking up for us! Really the first time this season I can say that.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

[96warrior 11]

From MLIVE:

Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom said this morning that he is hoping to return to the lineup Jan. 29 or 31, which seems overly optimistic considering he has taken only a few light spins on the ice and hasn't felt good.

He suffered a hairline fracture in his foot when he was hit with a shot after practice on Jan. 6.

"I've been skating three times this week, nothing really serious,'' Holmstrom said. "I didn't feel that good, couldn't really push away. I don't want to push away either because it could get worse.''

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOMER!!!!!

[stuck in socal 56]

:beerbuddy:

[Zion 93]

More media lies. When will it end?

Holmstrom returns March 1st.