Blogs > Red Wings Corner

Up-to-the minute updates and insights from the Red Wings locker room at home and on the road. By Chuck Pleiness of The Macomb Daily.

Monday, April 30, 2007

Samuelsson On Top Line

Mikael Samuelsson started Monday's Game 3 on the Red Wings' top line with Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Todd Bertuzzi had been playing on Zetterberg's wing the past two games with Tomas Holmstrom out with an eye injury. Holmstrom is slated to return for Wednesday's Game 4.

Sharks Lineup Change

Joe Pavelski will be in the Sharks' lineup tonight and Mark Bell will be out. Bell missed Game 1 of this series with a groin injury, but bumped Pavelski when he returned for Game 2. Bell played just 9:16 and was a minus-1 with no shots on goal. San Jose coach Ron Wilson thinks that Bell isn't up to full speed and he's not waiting for him.

Homer Cleared For Game 4

Tomas Holmstrom has been cleared to play by doctors in Detroit and is traveling with the Ilitches to San Jose today. Holmstrom will practice with the team Tuesday and if everything with his eye remains fine, he'll be in the lineup Wednesday night.

Good Sign

Henrik Zetterberg took part in the Red Wings' morning skate, Monday. It was the first time he has practiced with the team in more than a week.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Lebda Shooting For Game 5

Defenseman Brett Lebda traveled with the Red Wings, but won't play in Game 3, Monday. His injured ankle has kept him out of the past three games. Lebda said that practicing once before this series led to a setback and that he won't take the ice again until Tuesday at the earliest to test it. He's hoping for a return in Game 5.
"If this was the regular season, I'd probably be out four to six weeks without any question," said Lebda. "It's just a matter of getting it healthy again just to the point that I don't make a mistake because of it."

Update From San Jose

-- Tomas Holmstrom (eye) didn't make the trip west with the team and is definitely out for Game 3. The forward will be examined by a doctor in Detroit, Monday, and he's still possible for Game 4. If given the green light, Holmstrom will fly out to meet the team in San Jose.
-- Brett Lebda (ankle) is also out for Game 3. Lebda skated before Game 1 and said that was a setback. He hasn't skated since, but will try on Tuesday in San Jose.
-- Mathieu Schneider and Henrik Zetterberg took the practice off. Everyone else skated.
-- Coach Mike Babcock tinkered with the forward lines for practice, putting Mikael Samuelsson with Pavel Datsyuk and Todd Bertuzzi with Valtteri Filppula and Johan Franzen. Babcock said that either Samuelsson or Bertuzzi will start Monday's game on the top line with Datsyuk and Zetterberg.
-- Babcock decline to comment on the play of Robert Lang. Lang declined interview requests.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Zetterberg actually does have the flu

Here's a surprise ... valid information from an NHL team during the playoffs. Henrik Zetterberg spoke with the media after Friday's practice (he didn't skate) and he really does have the flu. He looked like he has the flu. He acted like it. Coach Mike Babcock originally thought that Zetterberg missed Wednesday's practice because the Swede's back was acting up, but it wasn't. This isn't like the case of Patrick Elias and a cold.

Homer and Lebda out for Game 2

Coach Mike Babcock said Friday that neither Tomas Holmstrom (eye) nor Brett Lebda (ankle) will be in the lineup for Saturday's Game 2 at Joe Louis Arena. Neither has played since being injured last weekend.

Zetterberg doesn't practice again

Another day off for Henrik Zetterberg, Friday, who is being listed as having the flu. The forward, who missed the last 19 games of the regular season with an inflamed disk in his back hasn't missed a game in the post-season, but hasn't practiced in more than a week.

This was not an optional practice. The only other missing players were those with injuries ... Tomas Holmstrom (eye) and Brett Lebda (ankle).

Schneider Shotless

Detroit defenseman Mathieu Schneider was held without a shot in Game 1 against San Jose. The last time that the fast-firing blue-liner didn't get a shot on goal in a game was in Anaheim, Jan. 7 -- a game in which Schneider injured his knee and played just 3:07. Schneider was the NHL leader in shots on goal in the first round of the playoffs.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Match Game

Detroit coach Mike Babcock said that his use of Jiri Hudler in the first round was dictated by the game's venue. At home, he used Hudler, knowing that he could avoid playing the young Czech against Calgary's Jarome Iginla.
"At home against Calgary with last change, I could control the matchup all the time," said Babcock. "Iginla played on four different lines. He played with everybody. I wasn't as comfortable having Huds matched up against him. So, I thought Calder was a bigger body on the road and it just made it easier for us to play four lines like we wanted to play all series, knowing you'd feel comfortable no matter who Fil (Valtteri Filppula), Huds and Sammy (Mikael Samuelsson) are on the ice against."

Homer and Lebda Sitting

Neither Tomas Holmstrom (eye) nor Brett Lebda (ankle) have practiced with the Red Wings in the past four days. Coach Mike Babcock sounded more optimistic about Holmstrom's return, noting that the fear is precautionary, that more blood will pool around his eye.
As for Lebda, Babcock said, "Lebda's a skater. So when you can't do what you're supposed to do, you're out of luck. I'm not sure how soon he's going to be back. Quincey's got to be good."

Zetterberg to play tonight

Coach Mike Babcock said Thursday morning that Henrik Zetterberg will play in tonight's Game 1 despite missing the morning skate and Wednesday's practice. Zetterberg has the flu, according to Babcock, and rode the bike Thursday morning instead of skating.
Zetterberg will center the top line wiht Pavel Datsyuk on one wing. Who will play on the other side ... Babcock wouldn't say. Kyle Calder practiced with Datsyuk, Wednesday. Babcock did say that he'd prefer to leave Dan Cleary and Johan Franzen where they are because of the production of the second and third lines. Babcock said that either Calder or Mikael Samuelsson would get first crack at first-line time although he would have put Franzen up there had he not been performing so well on Robert Lang's line.

Zetterberg not at morning skate

Henrik Zetterberg is not on the ice for Thursday's morning skate. It might be more rest for the Red Wings' leading goal-scorer, who missed the final 19 games of the regular season with an inflamed disk in his back. Or his injury might keep him out of tonight's Game 1 against San Jose. I'll post more when I find out.
Neither Tomas Holmstrom (eye) not Brett Lebda (ankle) participated in the skate either. Both are out of the lineup for tonight's game.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Homer and Lebda out for Game 1

Coach Mike Babcock said Wednesday that Tomas Holmstrom and Brett Lebda are both out of the lineup for Thursday's Game 1. Holmstrom is listed as day-to-day and is a possibility for Game 2. Lebda needs to get in a practice (which he didn't Wednesday) before his status can be upgraded.
Henrik Zetterberg did not practice Wednesday, but it was just a day of rest. He will be in Game 1's lineup.

Line Combinations

First full-line drill Wednesday has these line combinations ...

EVEN STRENGTH
Calder-Datsyuk-Kopecky
Franzen-Lang-Bertuzzi
Cleary-Draper-Maltby
Hudler-Filppula-Samuelsson
Lidstrom-Markov
Schneider-Lilja
Quincey-Chelios
Keep in mind that Zetterberg isn't on the ice, but is slated to play Thursday, which would obviously bump Kopecky off the top line.

POWER PLAY
Calder-Datsyuk-Bertuzzi
Cleary-Lang-Hudler
Lidstrom-Schneider
Samuelsson-

Wednesday's Practice

Midway though the Red Wings' practice at Joe Louis Arena ... Brett Lebda, Tomas Holmstrom and Henrik Zetterberg are not on the ice.
The Sharks aren't practicing in Detroit today, flying in around 5 p.m. EDT.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Hit Parade

How important was physical play in the Red Wings' first-round victory? In their four wins, the Red Wings tallied 37, 35, 35 and 34 hits. In their two losses, the Red Wings had 23 and 20 hits.
In the playoffs last spring, the Red Wings' fortunes went south when they stopped hitting. In Games 1 and 2, the Red Wings had 29 and 28 hits. In the next four games, Detroit had hit totals of 14, 8, 18 and 14, losing three of those contests.


Here are the Red Wing individual leaders in hits in the first round ...
Andreas Lilja, 20
Danny Markov, 17
Dan Cleary, 15
Kirk Maltby, 14
Henrik Zetterberg, 14
Johan Franzen, 12
Mathieu Schneider, 12
Todd Bertuzzi, 10
Tomas Holmstrom, 10

And the Wings who didn't hit in the first round ...
Brett Lebda, 1
Kyle Calder, 3
Valtteri Filppula, 4
Mikael Samuelsson, 6
Chris Chelios, 6

Homer and Lebda likley to miss Game 1

Coach Mike Babcock said after Tuesday's practice that both Tomas Holmstrom and Brett Lebda will likely miss Thursday's Game 1 against San Jose. Holmstrom wasn't at the optional skate. He took a stick to the eye area during overtime of Game 6 in Calgary.
Lebda was at the rink, but did not skate, Tuesday. Lebda said that his ankle (sprained in Game 5) is what is keeping him off the ice right now. He did not have to take any of the tests usually used after a concussion.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Round 2 Schedule

The Detroit Red Wings will open Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this Thursday, April 26, and Saturday, April 28 at Joe Louis Arena. The Wings will host either Dallas, if the Stars can defeat Vancouver later tonight, or San Jose if the Stars are not victorious over Vancouver.

Day/Date Time (ET) #1 Detroit vs. San Jose
Thursday, April 26 7:30 p.m. San Jose at Detroit
Saturday, April 28 3:00 p.m. San Jose at Detroit
Monday, April 30 10:00 p.m. Detroit at San Jose
Wednesday, May 2 10:00 p.m. Detroit at San Jose
* Saturday, May 5 2:00 p.m. San Jose at Detroit
* Monday, May 7 TBD Detroit at San Jose
* Wednesday, May 9 TBD San Jose at Detroit

Sunday, April 22, 2007

McLennan suspended

Calgary goalie Jamie McLennan was suspended for five games for his slash on Johan Franzen in Game 5. Calgary coach Jim Playfair was fined $25,000 and the Flames organization was fined $100,000.

Holland calls for suspensions

Immediately after Saturday's Game 5, Detroit general manager Ken Holland angrily confronted NHL VP Frank Brown in the hall outside of the Detroit coaches' office. Holland was heated, calling for suspensions because of the actions of Calgary players like Jamie McLennan during the game. Holland pointed out that the Red Wings organization is a good soldier for the NHL, putting on a good face to the media when the league needs solidarity. Brown handled the confrontation calmly and told Holland to wait and see what will happen. Holland responded that there had better be suspensions.

Quincey recalled from Grand Rapids

Defenseman Kyle Quincey was recalled from the Red Wings' affiliate in Grand Rapids. Either Brett Lebda injured his leg when hitting Matthew Lombardi in the third period, Saturday, to the point that he cannot play today or Quincey is being brought in as a precaution. Quincey played six games for the Red Wings this season and one in 2005-06.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Franzen chopped by McLennan

Something I've never seen in hockey before. A backup goalie brought in who does this and is out of the game is less than 20 seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cda6wsVfaQ


Hudler in the Wings' lineup, Calder out

Jiri Hudler will skate for the Red Wings today after being benched for Games 3 and 4. Kyle Calder is a healthy scratch. Hudler skated on a line with Valtteri Filppula and Mikael Samuelsson. Calder started the playoffs on the second line, but was demoted to Filppula's fourth line in Game 4.

Conduit for success

Who has been on the ice for the goals during this series?
Detroit has scored nine even-strength goals and Brett Lebda has been on the ice for a team-high five. Johan Franzen and Mathieu Schneider are next at four, apiece. On the flip side of those nine goals, Calgary's Brad Stuart has been on the ice for six Detroit even-strength goals and his partner, Rhett Warrener, has been on the ice for five.
Calgary's success in this series has with a man-advantage. Of the Flames' six power-play goals, Jarome Iginla, Kristian Huselius and Daymond Langkow have been on the ice for five. Alex Tanguay and Dion Phaneuf have been on the ice for four power-play goals.

Penalties Drawn

With the power play making such a difference in this series, here's who drawing and giving penalties through four games ...

DETROIT, penalties drawn, penalties, net
Cleary, 6, 1, +5
Zetterberg, 5, 1, +4
Filppula, 3, 1, +2
Franzen, 2, 0, +2
Chelios, 2, 1, +1
Calder, 1, 2, -1
Hudler, 1, 0, +1
Lilja, 1, 0, +1
Maltby, 1, 0, +1
Datsyuk, 1, 2, -1
Markov, 1, 3, -2
Lidstrom, 1, 1, 0
Samuelsson, 1, 2, -1
Draper, 0, 1, -1
Hasek, 0, 1, -1
Holmstrom, 0, 1, -1
Lang, 0, 1, -1
Lebda, 0, 1, -1
Schneider, 0, 4, -4

CALGARY, penalties drawn, penalties, net
Amonte, 3, 0, +3
Lombardi, 3, 0, +3
Langkow, 3, 0, +3
Iginla, 3, 2, +1
Kiprusoff, 2, 0, +2
Phaneuf, 2, 1, +1
Moss, 1, 0, +1
Huselius, 1, 2, -1
Friesen, 1, 1, 0
Yelle, 1, 1, 0
Hale, 1, 3, -2
Tanguay, 1, 3, -2
Warrener, 1, 4, -3
Hamrlik, 0, 1, -1
Stuart, 0, 1, -1
Zyuzin, 0, 1, -1
Conroy, 0, 2, -2
Primeau, 0, 3, -3

Friday, April 20, 2007

Babcock says lineup changes possible

Interview snippet with Mike Babcock when the Red Wings' plane landed, Friday afternoon ...

Are lineup changes a possibility? Yah, pretty sure.
Any idea what you're looking at? Yah
Care to share? No.

Does that mean that Jiri Hudler will play Saturday? Does that mean that Henrik Zetterberg will center his own line or that Zetterberg will bump Pavel Datsyuk over to a wing? Does that mean more personnel changes on the power play?
Babcock isn't saying.

Regehr might play Game 5

Calgary coach Jim Playfair said Friday after the team arrived in Detroit that defenseman Robyn Regehr might be back in the lineup Saturday. "He'll skate in the morning and we'll make a decision after that," said Playfair. "Again, he's really day-to-day and the day's getting close to when he's going to be back playing. I'm just not sure whether that will be tomorrow (Saturday) or Sunday."

Game 6

The start time for Sunday's Game 6 in Calgary is set for 9 p.m. EDT.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Regehr out for Game 4

Calgary defenseman Robyn Regehr will not dress for tonight's Game 4 in Calgary.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Match Game

So how did the series shift to Calgary affect matchups? Not much with regards to Calgary's forwards. Coach Playfair moved Iginla onto a line with Langkow and Huselius, moving him off a line with Conroy and Tanguay. The result was that Detroit retained its matchups against Iginla and ignored the other forwards. The Datsyuk line was still on the ice most of the time against Iginla. Lidstrom was on the ice for 76 percent of Iginla's even-strength minutes at Joe Louis Arena and 75 percent of his ES minutes in Game 3. Playfair's strategy didn't help out Tanguay or Conroy. Instead, Iginla scored the deciding goal on an error made by Lidstrom. Playfair couldn't even lighten Iginla's load with more minutes against Detroit's No. 3 defense pairing. Iginla played against Chelios and Lebda in 10 percent of his ES minutes at the Saddledome and 10 percent of his ES minutes at JLA.


As far as Detroit's forward lines, Playfair showed the matchup he's counting on is Stuart against Datsyuk's line. Stuart played 54 percent of Datsyuk's even-strength minutes at Joe Louis Arena, but that shot up to 80 percent Tuesday. His partner, Warrener, went from 41 to 54 percent of Datsyuk's minutes. Coach Babcock also wasn't able to get nearly as much ice time for his top line against Calgary's third defense pairing. In the two JLA games, Datsyuk skated 25 percent of his ES time against Zyuzin. Last night, that dipped to five percent. Playfair used Phaneuf and Hamrlik against the Lang, Draper and Filppula line equally, shying away from matching them against Datsyuk. Zyuzin and Giordano spent the bulk of their time matching up against Draper's line, not Filppula's. Zyuzin was on the ice for more than 50 percent of Draper's ES minutes. Interestingly, Zyuzin and Giordano were not on the ice for either of Draper's goals ... Stuart, however was.

Thanks to timeonice.com for head-to-head numbers.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Regehr absent from morning skate

Calgary defenseman Robyn Regehr did not participate in Tuesday's morning skate. That means that he's unlikely to be in the lineup tonight for Game 3. Either Andrei Zyuzin, who played in Game 1, or Mark Giordano will dress instead of Regehr.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Penalties Drawn

Here's a look at who's getting bumped and bruised in order to get their side the man-advantage ...
PLAYOFFS (through Game 2)
DETROIT CALGARY
Forwards Forwards
Cleary 3 Lombardi 2
Filppula 2 Amonte 1
Franzen 2 Huselius 1
Zetterberg 2 Iginla 1
Calder 1 Langkow 1
Hudler 1
Maltby 1
Samuelsson 1
Defensemen Defensemen
Chelios 1 Phaneuf 2
Lidstrom 1 Hale 1
Markov 1 Warrener 1

DETROIT REGULAR SEASON
Forwards
Zetterberg 38
Maltby 33
Datsyuk 31
Filppula 29
Cleary 25
Holmstrom 24
Franzen 23
Draper 20
Hudler 16
Lang 16
Samuelsson 13
Williams 7
Calder 5
Kopecky 4
Bertuzzi 3
Bootland 2
Ellis 1
Langfeld 1
Defensemen
Kronwall 14
Lebda 14
Markov 12
Chelios 11
Schneider 10
Lilja 9
Lidstrom 7
Goalies
Hasek 7
MacDonald 3
Osgood 2

Empty seats

That attendance for Game 2 was 19,751 ... the second straight non-sellout at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings entered the series with 452 consecutive sellouts dating back to Dec. 10, 1996.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Regehr's status


Defenseman Robyn Regehr returned to the Calgary lineup, Sunday, after a nine-day absence with a knee injury. Regehr, however, was back in the locker room shortly after the halfway point in the second period.
"No, he didn't rush back too soon," said Calgary coach Jim Playfair. "He was medically cleared and we'll get an evaluation on hiim (Monday) morning back in Calgary and we'll have a better, clearer understanding of where he's at."

Regehr in the lineup

Calgary defenseman Robyn Regehr will play in Sunday's Game 2.

Regehr on ice for pregame skate

Calgary defenseman Robyn Regehr, who hasn't played since injuring his knee nine days ago, is on the ice for Sunday's pregame skate. Regehr is listed as a game-time decision, so this might be part of testing his knee. If he plays, Regehr is likely to match up against the Red Wings' top forward line whenever the Flames can force it.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Regehr a game-time decision

Calgary defenseman Robyn Regehr (knee) will be a game-time decision for Sunday's Game 2 at Joe Louis Arena. Regehr hasn't played since last Thursday, but practiced with the Flames, Saturday ... his second consecutive full practice. Forward Jeff Friesen (upper body) will play Sunday after missing Game 1.

Bertuzzi out for Game 2

Forward Todd Bertuzzi (concussion) will not play in Game 2 against the Flames despite practicing for the second consecutive day, Saturday. Bertuzzi is day-to-day and could possibly return for Tuesday's Game 3.

Bertuzzi practices Saturday with scratches

Todd Bertuzzi is on the ice for Saturday's full practice. He's skating with Josh Langfeld and Tomas Kopecky. Mikael Samuelsson and Kyle Calder are skating on Robert Lang's line. Although Bertuzzi might play in Sunday's Game 2, the Red Wings are preparing for him not to dress.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Bertuzzi and Regehr closer to playing

Friday was an optional practice for both the Red Wings and Flames and both Todd Bertuzzi and Robyn Regehr practiced with their teams for the first time in a week. Bertuzzi, out with a concussion since last Thursday, passed some medical tests Friday. His status will be re-evaluated after Saturday's practice. Regehr has been out with a knee injury since last Thursday. Both players remain day-to-day and neither team sounded optimistic, Friday, about getting their player back in time for Sunday's Game 2. But at least both players are closer to returning than they were a day ago.

Sellout streak ends in Game 1

The crowd of 19,204 at Game 1 Thursday night was remarkable ... remarkable in that it was the first time since Dec. 10, 1996, that the Red Wings played before a non-sellout crowd. Last night's game ended the franchise's streak of 452 consecutive sellouts. And it was obvious. There were several entire rows in the upper bowl that were vacant and still had giveaway towels draped over the seats. At least the regular-season sellout streak of 396 consecutive games is intact.

Hit parade

The Red Wings had 37 hits in their Game 1 win over the Calgary Flames, Thursday. It was the highest hit total this season for the Red Wings and just the 15th time in 83 games that Detroit has had as many as 20 hits in a game ...

37      April 12 vs. Calgary    W 4-1

29      March 6 vs. Nashville   W 4-3
28      Nov. 8 vs. Edmonton     W 3-0
27      Oct. 25 vs. San Jose    W 2-1
26      Jan. 2 vs. Anaheim      W 2-1
26      Feb. 23 vs. Edmonton    L 4-3
25      March 30 vs. Dallas     L 4-3
23      Dec. 2 vs. San Jose     L 3-2
22      Nov. 27 vs. Dallas      W 2-1
22      Jan. 17 vs. Nashville   W 5-3
22      Feb. 15 at Dallas       W 3-1
22      March 14 vs. Nash.      W 4-2
22      March 26 vs. Ana.       W 1-0
21      Feb. 21 vs. Chicago     W 4-2
20      Jan. 28 vs. Colorado    W 3-1

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Faceoff matchups

How Detroit players have fared head-to-head in faceoffs against Calgary players over the past two seasons:

Datsyuk vs.
Conroy 53 percent
Langkow 52 percent
Yelle 59 percent
Lombardi 56 percent
Ritchie 50 percent

Lang vs
Conroy 53 percent
Langkow 44 percent
Yelle 53 percent
Lombardi 56 percent
Ritchie 40 percent

Draper vs
Conroy 64 percent
Langkow 60 percent
Yelle 44 percent
Lombardi 25 percent
Ritchie 100 percent

Filppula vs
Conroy 33 percent
Langkow 100 percent
Yelle 0 percent
Lombardi 80 percent

Zetterberg vs
Conroy 64 percent
Langkow 63 percent
Yelle 29 percent
Lombardi 50 percent
Ritchie 50 percent

Bertuzzi and Regehr out for Game 1

Neither Detroit forward Todd Bertuzzi (concussion) nor Calgary defenseman Robyn Regehr (knee) took part in the morning skate, Thursday. Neither will be in the lineup tonight for Game 1. Bertuzzi did skate on his own and will have more tests Friday. Coach Mike Babcock considers him a possibility for Sunday's Game 2.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Regehr out Game 1

Calgary defenseman Robyn Regehr didn't skate again, Wednesday, and isn't expected to play Game 1 of the playoffs against Detroit Thursday. Regehr injured his knee in a game last Thursday and hasn't skated since. When healthy, Regehr will match up against the Wings' top line of Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom.

Bertuzzi out for Game 1

Forward Todd Bertuzzi won't dress for Thursday's Game 1 against Calgary. "I don't think he has any chance of playing tomorrow," said Detroit coach Mike Babcock after Wednesday's practice. "We're day-to-day. We think he'll have an opportunity to play on Sunday."

Bertuzzi doesn't practice Wednesday


Forward Todd Bertuzzi isn't on the ice for practice this morning (Wednesday) at Joe Louis Arena. After suffering a concussion last Thursday, Bertuzzi hasn't practiced and thus is unlikely to play in Thursday's playoff opener against Calgary.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Red Wings agree to terms with prospect Mursak

Jan Mursak, the Red Wings' sixth-round draft choice last summer, has agreed to terms on a three-year entry-level contract with Detroit. The deal is waiting league approval which is expected either Tuesday or Wednesday. Murask, who's from Slovenia, spent this season (his first in North America) with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, tallying 27 goals and 80 points in 62 games. The 19-year-old will likely play another season of junior hockey next winter.

Wings planning for no Bertuzzi

The Red Wings are preparing for not having Todd Bertuzzi for Thursday's playoff opener. Bertuzzi is out with a concussion and has not been on the ice since last Thursday. "In my mind, he's not available at this point," said coach Mike Babcock. Mikael Samuelsson has been practicing in Bertuzzi's spot on Robert Lang's line.

Tuesday's line at practice

Bertuzzi's (concussion) not on the ice Tuesday.
The Red Wings used the following line combinations during their practice at Joe Louis Arena:

Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Calder-Lang-Samuelsson
Cleary-Draper-Maltby
Franzen-Filppula-Hudler

Lidstrom-Markov
Schneider-Lilja
Lebda-Chelios

Monday, April 9, 2007

Babcock says that Bertuzzi will be ready for Game 1

Although he didn't practice Monday, Todd Bertuzzi (concussion) will play in Game 1 of the opening round against Calgary, Thursday, according to Detroit coach Mike Babcock.

Bertuzzi doesn't practice

Everyone -- including Henrik Zetterberg (back) -- was on the ice for Monday's practice at Joe Louis Arena except for Todd Bertuzzi. The forward was diagnosed with a concussion after colliding with goalie Chris Osgood last Thursday. His status for Thursday's playoff opener has yet to be determined.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Full first-round schedule

 Thursday, April 12     7:00 pm – Game One – Calgary at Detroit

            Sunday, April 15        1:00 pm – Game Two – Calgary at Detroit

            Tuesday, April 17      10:00 pm – Game Three – Detroit at Calgary

            Thursday, April 19     TBA – Game Four – Detroit at Calgary

            Saturday, April 21     3:00 pm – Game Five (if necessary) – Calgary at Detroit

            Sunday, April 22        TBA – Game Six (if necessary) – Detroit at Calgary

            Tuesday, April 24      TBA – Game Seven (if necessary) – Calgary at Detroit

Series opens Thursday

The first round of the playoffs opens Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena when the Red Wings host the Calgary Flames. Game 2 will be at 1 p.m. Sunday in Detroit. The rest of the schedule will be posted as soon as possible.

Saturday, April 7, 2007

Bertuzzi out with concussion

Todd Bertuzzi didn't play in Saturday's regular-season finale ... but not because of the strained neck that was originally listed as the cause. Coach Mike Babcock said after the 7-2 win over Chicago that Bertuzzi was diagnosed with a concussion after colliding with goalie Chris Osgood in a game last Thursday. A concussion means that there's a chance that Bertuzzi might not be cleared to play in Game 1 of the playoffs ... although both Babcock and general manager Ken Holland believe that Bertuzzi will be in the lineup.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Red Wings Top Draft Pick

The Red Wings signed their top draft pick from last summer, Cory Emmerton, to a three-year entry-level contract. The forward practiced with the Red Wings, Wednesday, at Joe Louis Arena and will head to Grand Rapids to practice and perhaps play with the Griffins.