Friday, January 25, 2013
Helm (no longer) hurting
By Victoria Matiash
UPDATE: The Detroit News confirms the Detroit Red Wings will have Darren Helm back in the lineup for Friday's contest with the Minnesota Wild.
"I've been waiting for a long time to get the go-ahead," Helm said. "I'm ready to get back and playing."
Helm is expected to center a line with Daniel Cleary and Justin Abdelkader. Patrick Eaves is the projected odd-man out.
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UPDATE: The good news is, Darren Helm's back is improving day by day. The bad news is the Detroit Red Wings forward is nowhere near ready to compete on the ice. According to MLive.com, just bending over to tie his skates remains an issue.
"Probably pretty doubtful to play,'' Helm said Tuesday, in regards to the Wings' opener. "Still have to get on the ice first. That's probably a couple days away.''
The Wings won't rush Helm back, for fear of re-aggravating the injury during such a compact season. Don't be surprised if the center sits out more than just the first game or two.
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The Detroit Red Wings could launch the 2012-13 season without Darren Helm. According to MLive.com, the centerman is set to miss the start of training camp.
"(Helm) tweaked something working out,'' general manager Ken Holland said. "Doctors told him to take a few days off and they'll look at it on Monday. We'll see if he needs tests after that.''
Helm's potential absence could open the door wider for Cory Emmerton; assuming the 24-year-old's busted finger is all healed up.
- Victoria Matiash
