Lidstrom & Rafalski to return this week
Defenseman Brian Rafalski should actually return to tomorrow’s game against St. Louis, which is some great news. Hopefully with the addition of Rafalski to a defensive corp that has been strengthened by Niklas Kronwall’s return and the arrival of Brad Stuart, the Wings can start clicking once again and return to the world of winning.
What’s even more encouraging is that both Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios participated in practice, but neither played during the battle drills at practice. Lidstrom is expected to be ready for Sunday’s home game while Chelios is still listed day-to-day.
“I felt a little sluggish out there,” Lidstrom said. “Haven’t skated for two weeks; skated a little bit yesterday and felt okay. I’m hoping it’s going to improve and get better in the next few days here so I can play, hopefully this weekend.”
Chelios said he had a setback the last time he skated.
“I’m not playing tomorrow for sure,” Chelios said. “I skated and it’s getting better but I won’t be playing tomorrow and it’s just a day-to-day thing.”
Surprisingly, Jonathan Ericsson will remain in the lineup until Lidstrom or Chelios returns, which means that Brett Lebda or Andreas Lilja will be named a healthy scratch (my money would be on Lebda).
Now that Hasek is healthy, we will see him get some more starts as he gears up for the playoff action next month. He will start his third straight game tomorrow at home.
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2 Responses to “Lidstrom & Rafalski to return this week”
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March 5th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
I’ll be very happy to see that the Wings will get some of their D back so they can continue their season. Its better to have a slump in the season then in the playoffs.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
It looks like having Kronner and Rafalski back has already made a big difference in moving the puck quicker. I just can’t wait to see Lids back on Sunday.