Description: Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard had 39 saves Monday in a Game 3 win over Chicago.
Insight: He's stopped 96 out of the 101 shots he's faced in the series (.950 save percentage). The Red Wings hold a 2-1 series lead with Game 4 coming up Thursday in Detroit.
Description: Detroit Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson (pectoral) is questionable for Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals Saturday against Chicago.
Insight: Samuelsson played only four games during the regular season, but in the past has been a solid fantasy winger who once scored 30 goals for Vancouver. He has a goal and an assist in five first-round playoff games.
Description: Detroit Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson (upper body) is questionable for Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals Saturday against Chicago.
Insight: Samuelsson played only four games during the regular season, but in the past has been a solid fantasy winger who once scored 30 goals for Vancouver. He has a goal and an assist in five playoff games.
Description: Red Wings left wing Justin Abdelkader has been handed a two-game suspension for his hit on Anaheim forward Toni Lydman Saturday night in Game 3. SOURCE: Ansar Khan, MLive.com
Insight: The Ducks have a chance to eliminate Detroit in Game 5 so it's possible that Abdelkader has played his final game of the season. Danny Cleary is expected to replace Abdelkader on the first line Monday in Game 4.
Description: Detroit winger Todd Bertuzzi (back) has been sidelined with leg and back issues since Feb. 7, but is listed as questionable for Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals Tuesday against Anaheim.
Insight: He's skating hard in practice, but still has pain. Considering he hasn't played in months he isn't likely to be sharp even if he gets on the ice.
Description: Red Wings left wing Johan Franzen is expected to be active for Thursday night's game versus Nashville. SOURCE: Detroit Free Press
Insight: Franzen (13 goals, 16 assists in 39 games) sat out the final minutes of Wednesday's win over the Kings because of an upper body injury. The injury isn't considered serious and fantasy owners can probably expect another strong outing from Franzen in the second-to-last game of the regular season.
Description: Detroit center Henrik Zetterberg set up two goals in Wednesday night's win over the Kings.
Insight: Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk share the team lead in points with 43 each. Zetterberg is now tied with Philadelphia's Claude Giroux and Washington's Mike Ribeiro for fourth in the NHL in assists (34).
Description: Wings center Pavel Datsyuk notched two points (one goal, one assist) Wednesday in a win over Los Angeles.
Insight: And just like that, the Red Wings are right back in the playoff race. With the victory, Detroit was able to move into eighth in the Western Conference. The Red Wings are one point clear of the Blue Jackets with two games remaining. If Detroit wins Thursday versus Nashville and Columbus loses that same night against Dallas, the Red Wings will have clinched their 22nd straight postseason berth. Datsyuk's second period goal was his 14th of the season.
Description: Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard stopped every shot he faced Monday in a win over Phoenix.
Insight: That gives Howard four shutouts for the season. As it stands now, the Red Wings trail the Blue Jackets by one point for the final spot in the Western Conference playoff race.
Description: Detroit left wing Johan Franzen knocked home a pair of goals Monday night in a win against the Coyotes.
Insight: Franzen (12 goals, 16 assists) has scored in four of his last five games. Over that span, he's compiled a +2 rating while averaging 4.2 shots per game.
Description: Detroit Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson (upper body) is hoping to return sometime this week, according to a Detroit News report.
Insight: Samuelsson has only played four games this season, but in the past has been a solid fantasy winger who once scored 30 goals for Vancouver. The Red Wings are fighting for the final playoff spot and could use his talent in the lineup.
Description: Detroit Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson (upper body) isn't expected to return on Wednesday, but could make it back on the ice by the weekend, according to a Detroit Free Press report.
Insight: Samuelsson has only played four games this season, but in the past has been a solid fantasy winger who once scored 30 goals for Vancouver.
Description: Detroit winger Todd Bertuzzi (injured reserve) is still dealing with a back injury that has kept him out for more than two month, but the latest from the Detroit News is that he might return before the end of the regular season.
Insight: He's skating hard in practice, but still has pain. At this point you should have already given his spot away to a more useful option.
Description: TSN's Aaron Ward is reporting that the Red Wings are close to signing goaltender Jimmy Howard to a six-year extension.
Insight: He's expected to earn somewhere in the neighborhood of $5 million per season. Howard (16-12-4, 2.41 GAA, .917 SV %) will be in net for Detroit Thursday when the Wings host San Jose.
Description: Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey is expected to be activated from injured reserve for Friday's game against Colorado after recovering from surgery to repair a broken cheekbone.
Insight: Aside from his solid +8 rating, Quincey doesn't offer fantasy owners a whole lot (just two points in 26 games).
Description: Detroit center Damien Brunner is out indefinitely with a sore hip flexor. The problem forced him out of Thursday's game after about 10 minutes and has been bothering him for a couple of weeks, according to a Detroit News report.
Insight: Brunner has 11 goals and 11 assists in 35 games this season, but a -7 rating is limiting his fantasy value.
Description: Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg (groin) will return from a two-game absence Thursday against Phoenix, according to the Detroit Free Press
Insight: Zetterberg (eight goals, 24 assists) had just seven points in 13 games last month but he's a good bet to turn things around in April.
Description: Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard was pulled after just 23 minutes Sunday against the Blackhawks.
Insight: Howard let in four goals on 14 shots before Jonas Gustavvson came on to replace him early in the second period. One bad outing won't ruin Howard's season. He's still one of the best netminders in fantasy hockey.
Description: Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg missed Sunday's game against the Blackhawks because of a groin injury. SOURCE: Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press
Insight: The Wings probably could have used Zetterberg (eight goals, 24 assists) on Sunday. Chicago steamrolled Detroit in a 7-1 victory. For now, Zetterberg is being listed as day-to-day.
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard has won both of his starts since returning from a flu bug and he'll get another start Wednesday versus Minnesota.
Insight: Howard has shaved his GAA down to 2.42 after posting a 1.41 GAA over his last nine starts (6-1-2). He hasn't suffered a regulation loss since Feb. 27.
Description: Red Wings center Darren Helm was hoping to return on Wednesday from a back problem that has kept him out of all but one game this season, but suffered a setback and could only skate for 10 minutes on Monday.
Insight: Helm had 26 points last season (9 G, 17 A) in 68 games. He's a third- or fourth-line center therefore seeing enough playing time to be a viable fantasy option, even when healthy, is unlikely.
Description: Detroit winger Patrick Eaves is questionable for Wednesday's game against Minnesota with a bruised jaw.
Insight: Eaves has just one goal and five assists in 20 games, so he probably isn't on any fantasy teams. He hasn't scored more than 22 points in a season since 2006.
Description: Detroit left wing Justin Abdelkader scored twice Saturday in a 5-2 win over Vancouver.
Insight: Abdelkader (three goals, one assist in 29 games) has had a quiet season thus far and we wouldn't expect many games like this going forward. It's worth noting that the Red Wings have done extremely well against the Canucks this season, averaging 6.5 goals per game in their two meetings in 2013.
Description: Detroit center Henrik Zetterberg has mostly looked to distribute this season (22 assists in 29 games) but on Saturday he took on the role of a scorer (two goals on five shots).
Insight: It's good to see Zetterberg look for himself for a change. Zetterberg hadn't scored a goal since February 24th against Vancouver, a span of nine games without scoring.
Description: NHL.com reports that Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey will likely need surgery to repair his broken cheekbone.
Insight: No timetable has been established yet but this injury could prove to be season-ending. Aside from his sparkling +8 rating, Quincey doesn't offer fantasy owners a whole lot (just two points in 26 games).
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard is expected back in goal on Friday night, according to a Detroit News report. he's been dealing with the flu.
Insight: Howard is 10-7-4 with a 2.46 GAA and .914 save percentage. He's been even better in March with a 2-0-2 record, 0.96 GAA and .965 save percentage.
Description: Detroit winger Todd Bertuzzi (injured reserve) is still dealing with a back injury that has kept him out for more than a month and the latest report from the Detroit Free Press says things are still the same.
Insight: It doesn't sound like he's coming back anytime soon. At this point his spot on your roster could be more useful with someone else.
Description: With Jimmy Howard dealing with the flu, the Red Wings will start Jonas Gustavsson in net Wednesday against the Flames.
Insight: Howard has been on a roll since late February. Over his last seven starts, he is 4-1-2 with a 1.26 GAA and two shutouts. Gustavsson has posted a 2.17 GAA in limited action.
Description: Red Wings center Valtteri Filppula is expected to be activated from injured reserve for Wednesday's game against Calgary.
Insight: Filppula had 10 points (4 G, 6 A) in 19 games working primarily with Damien Brunner and Henrik Zetterberg on the second line and could be of immediate value to fantasy owners when he returns.
Description: Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard shut out Edmonton with 22 saves Thursday night.
Insight: The 22 shots are the least Howard has seen in a full game this season. He has been extremely hot lately with four wins and a 1.15 GAA over his last six games.
Description: Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall had the game-winning goal Tuesday against Colorado.
Insight: Kronwall has been on a roll recently with two goals and eight points over his last six games. His 18 points rank second among fantasy blueliners.
Description: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen took six SOG and had a goal Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche.
Insight: Franzen had not recorded a point in his last six games, but his 12 SOG over the last two games should show that he will be more involved in the offense going forward.
Description: Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard took a tough-luck loss in a shootout Sunday against Chicago. Howard saved 31 of 32 shots. Howard was closing in on a 1-0 shutout win but a delay of game minor penalty on Jonathan Ericsson 17:35 into the third period led to a game-tying goal by Patrick Kane.
Insight: Howard has been better lately with a 1.78 GAA over his last five games. He had a 2.77 GAA in January and started off February with 3.34 GAA in his first eight games of the month.
Description: Detroit Red Wings backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson will start Thursday's game at San Jose.
Insight: Jimmy Howard suffered a 2-1 loss to the Kings just last night so he'll get a rest. Gustavsson hasn't started a game this season but has a 2.64 GAA in two appearances.
Description: Detroit defenseman Kyle Quincey is probable for Wednesday's game against Los Angeles while dealing with a bruised left ankle.
Insight: Quincey has yet to score this season in 17 games, so his fantasy value is almost non-existent (he does have a +10 rating). He did post seven goals and 19 assists last season, but most of the damage was done while a member of the Colorado. Quincey has only scored three points in 35 games with the Red Wings.
Description: Red Wings center Valtteri Filppula is questionable for Wednesday's game against Los Angeles with a groin injury after missing Tuesday's practice.
Insight: Filppula had 10 points (4 G, 6 A) in 19 games working primarily with Damien Brunner and Henrik Zetterberg on the second line.
Description: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen (hip flexor) is expected to return to action Wednesday. SOURCE: Detroit Free Press
Insight: Franzen hasn't played since Feb. 13. When healthy, he's a solid goal-scorer for fantasy owners but his point-total has been capped in the mid-50s his last three healthy seasons.
Description: Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall continued his recent scoring surge by collecting three points Sunday in a victory over Vancouver.
Insight: It's been quite a weekend for Kronwall. He's now put up six points in his past two games, giving him 16 points for the season. That total makes him the highest scoring defenseman in the National Hockey League.
Description: Red Wings center Henrik Zetterberg snapped an 11-game goal-less streak Sunday in a win over the Canucks.
Insight: Zetterberg stretched his league-leading assist total to 19 in the victory. Only Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos (26 points) has more points than Zetterberg (25) this season.
Description: Red Wings center Joakim Andersson made a splash by scoring two goals Sunday in a win over Vancouver.
Insight: Andersson had never scored a goal before this season. Now the 24-year-old has three goals in his last six games. Andersson's next chance to score will be Wednesday against Los Angeles.
Description: Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall had three points Saturday against the Predators.
Insight: Kronwall didn't have a point in his previous five games and was a minus-5 in that span. With a goal, two assists, three SOG and a plus-2 Saturday, Kronwall has two goals, 11 assists, 26 SOG and a minus-7 for the season. That's well ahead of last year's pace of 0.44 ppg.
Description: Detroit goaltender Jimmy Howard shut out Nashville Saturday night with 33 saves.
Insight: Howard carried a 3.08 GAA and .896 SV% into Saturday's game so he'll have to have more performances like Saturday's to appease disappointed fantasy owners. Unfortunately, he won't be able to face the offensively challenged Predators every game.
Description: Detroit defenseman Kyle Quincey left Thursday's game after a collision with Columbus forward Artem Anisimov and did not return.
Insight: Quincey has yet to score this season in 17 games, so his fantasy value is almost non-existent. He did post seven goals and 19 assists last season, but most of the damage was done while a member of the Colorado. He's only scored three points in 35 games with the Red Wings.
Description: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen (hip flexor) has practices hard over the past few days and is hoping to return for the weekend, according to an Mlive.com report.
Insight: He's always been a solid fantasy option who has averaged 47 points per season with an excellent +12 rating over the past four years. He's posted three goals and six assists in 12 games this season. Fantasy owners could have him back for the Red Wings next game.
Description: Detroit right wing Todd Bertuzzi (injured reserve) is receiving injections and confined to bed rest, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Insight: It doesn't sound like he's coming back anytime soon. If you have room to stash him on your bench, ok, but it may been time to cut him loose as his 38-year-old body is slow to recover from the back injury.
Description: Detroit Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson will miss at least two weeks with "a non-displaced fractured finger." SOURCE: Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press
Insight: Samuelsson has been limited to three appearances due to a groin injury this season. He took a puck off his left hand during Tuesday's morning skate on a shot from Ian White.
Description: Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard left Tuesday's game against Nashville after 11:22 with a head injury/blurry vision and is questionable for Thursday's game against Columbus.
Insight: He was replaced by Jonas Gustavsson.The struggling Howard (6-5-2) has an unsightly 3.08 GAA, nearly one goal higher than last year's 2.12.
Description: Detroit center Pavel Datsyuk tallied two points, a goal and an assist, for the second straight game Tuesday against Nashville. He got off seven SOG.
Insight: Datsyuk has eight goals and 10 assists through 15 games. He's taking 2.5 SOG per game, similar to last season, but his scoring percentage is .211 compared to .116 in 2011-12.
Description: Red Wings netminder Jimmy Howard left Tuesday's game against Nashville after 11:22 with an upper-body injury. He was replaced by Jonas Gustavsson.
Insight: The struggling Howard managed to allow two goals on seven shots in that span, giving him an unsightly 3.08 GAA, nearly one goal higher than last year's 2.12.
Description: Detroit center Pavel Datsyuk returned to action Sunday after missing Friday's game with a bruised shoulder. He factored into both Red Wings goals, scoring one and assisting on the other.
Insight: Datsyuk has scored a goal in four straight games and has six games this season with two or more points. Health will be the only thing that holds him back.
Description: The Red Wings will start Petr Mrazek in net Sunday against the Wild.
Insight: Mrazek held St. Louis to one goal in his only start of the season. The 21-year-old could find himself with more playing time if he plays well Sunday, since Jimmy Howard has been a roller coaster in the net this season.
Description: The Ducks tagged Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard with four goals on 36 shots Friday night.
Insight: It was the fifth time in 13 games that Howard has allowed four or more goals. Detroit's defense has slipped badly with Niklas Lidstrom in retirement.
Description: Red Wings center Darren Helm is questionable for Friday's game against Anaheim with a continuing back problem.
Insight: Helm had 26 points last season (9 G, 17 A) in 68 games. He's a third- or fourth-line center therefore seeing enough playing time to be a viable fantasy option is unlikely.
Description: Detroit Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson continues to have problems with a groin injury and will miss Friday's game with Anaheim.
Insight: Samuelsson dealt with a tender groin during training camp week but was healthy enough to play Detroit's first two games this season. He hasn't played since. He scored 30 goals for Vancvouver back in 2009, but these days is stuck on the Red Wings' third line and probably won't reach 10 goals in this shortened season.
Description: Detroit right wing Todd Bertuzzi has been placed on injured reserve, according to MLive.com
Insight: Bertuzzi missed the first three games of the season with an illness and third more games due to the back problem. At 38-years-old the body just doesn't recover quickly.
Description: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen (hip flexor) will miss Friday's game against Anaheim.
Insight: Franzen has been listed as day-to-day, but Detroit coach Mike Babcock is expecting he'll be out about 10 days. He's always been a solid fantasy option who has averaged 47 points per season with an excellent +12 rating over the past four years. He's posted three goals and six assists in 12 games this season.
Description: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen (hip) will miss a second straight game Friday against the Ducks. SOURCE: Detroit News
Insight: Franzen has a hip flexor injury and is day-to-day, but Detroit coach Mike Babcock said "day-to-day is usually 10 (days)." Forwards Todd Bertuzzi, Darren Helm and Mikael Samuelsson are all out indefinitely as well, leaving Detroit a little thin on the lower lines.
Description: Detroit right wing Todd Bertuzzi missed both games over the weekend due to a strained back and coach Mike Babcock was not excited about his chances to return for Wednesday's game, according to a Detroit Free Press report.
Insight: Bertuzzi missed the first three games of the season with an illness and now likely his third game due to the back problem. At 38-years-old the body just doesn't recover quickly.
Description: Detroit right wing Todd Bertuzzi missed both games over the weekend due to a strained back. There will reportedly be an update either Monday or Tuesday.
Insight: Bertuzzi missed the first three games of the season with an illness and now has missed two games due to the back problem. He has two goals and an assist in seven games this season.
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard had 45 saves Sunday afternoon to beat the Kings, 3-2.
Insight: Things can turn around quickly in this condensed season. Prior to last night's game Howard was a disappointment with a 4-4-1 record, 3.07 GAA and an .891 SV%, but he has gone 2-0 while saving 68 of 71 shots (.957, 1.50 GAA) in his last two games.
Description: Detroit right wing Todd Bertuzzi is expected to miss Sunday's game against Los Angeles due to a strained back.
Insight: Bertuzzi missed the first three games of the season with an illness and missed Saturday's game due to the back problem. He has two goals and an assist in seven games this season.
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard picked up a much-needed win Saturday against the Oilers. He saved 23 of 24 shots.
Insight: Howard had lost two straight while giving up four goals in both. He hasn't been anywhere near as sharp as he was in 2011-12, when he went 35-17-4 with a 2.12 GAA.
Description: Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk snapped a three-game point-less streak with a goal and an assist Saturday against Edmonton. Datsyuk took four shots in the game.
Insight: Datsyuk wasn't going to go without a point for long. He has 12 in 11 games this season.
Description: Red Wings forward Damien Brunner had one assists and five SOG Saturday versus the Oilers.
Insight: Brunner has been firing away this season, taking 39 SOG and scoring five goals in 11 games. The rookie has been getting a lot of playing time alongside Henrik Zetterberg at even strength and is skating on the top line with the man advantage with Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Johan Franzen.
Description: Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall scored his first goal of the season Saturday versus Edmonton. He finished with two SOG.
Insight: Kronwall has eight assists on the season but failed to score a goal on his first 16 SOG. While Detroit's defense isn't quite the same without Niklas Lidstrom, Kronwall is once again doing a good job at providing offense from the blue line.
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard will get his first rest of the season Thursday at St. Louis. He has started Detroit's first nine games but Petr Mrazek will get the start Thursday.
Insight: With defenseman Niklas Lidstrom in retirement, the Wings have allowed more shots on goal per game than last season while putting up one of the worst penalty-kill percentages in the NHL. As a result, Howard is 4-4-1 with a 3.07 GAA in nine starts after going 35-17-4 with a 2.12 GAA last season.
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard's struggles continued Tuesday when he gave up four goals on 23 shots in a 4-1 loss to the Calgary Flames.
Insight: With defenseman Niklas Lidstrom in retirement, the Wings have allowed more shots on goal per game than last season while putting up one of the worst penalty-kill percentages in the NHL. As a result, Howard is 4-4-1 with a 3.07 GAA in nine starts after going 35-17-4 with a 2.12 GAA last season.
Description: Red Wings forward Johan Franzen assisted three goals Friday against the Blues.
Insight: Franzen has been good for close to 60 points per 82 games in three of the last four seasons. He has seven points (1 G, 6 A) in seven games this season while also providing 19 SOG, 14 PIM and a +4.
Description: Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg scored twice in the first period and once on an empty-netter with 13 seconds left for his fifth-career hat trick.
Insight: It was a huge night for Zetterberg as the Red Wings captain added two assists, eight shots and a plus-3 rating. The empty-net goal at the end of the game was actually a short-hander. Zetterberg has four goals, seven assists and 33 shots on goal in seven games.
Description: Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg is probable for Friday's game against St. Louis due to illness. He didn't practice Thursday, but is still expected to play.
Insight: He has at least one point in each of the last five games. Zetteberg's points slipped from 80 to 69 last season but he already has seven (2 G, 5 A) in six games to go with 25 SOG, 6 PIM and a +3 rating.
Description: Red Wings center Darren Helm is questionable for Friday's game against St. Louis with a continuing back problem.
Insight: Helm had 26 points last season (9 G, 17 A) in 68 games. He's a third- or fourth-line center therefore seeing enough playing time to be a viable fantasy option is unlikely.
Description: Detroit Red Wings backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson was back on the ice at practice Monday.
Insight: Red Wings starter Jimmy Howard finally played well Tuesday against Dallas and one would expect him to be back in the nets again Friday, so even if Gustavsson dresses, he's not likely to play.
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard beat Dallas Tuesday by letting in one goal on 26 attempts.
Insight: Howard has started every game for Detroit this season but went 2-2-1 in his first five while allowing 3.13 goals per 60 minutes and saving less than 90 percent. Tuesday's performance was closer to what we came to expect from him last season.
Description: Red Wings center Valtteri Filppula scored a pair of goal Tuesday against the Red Wings.
Insight: Filppula took six shots in the game, which is just three fewer than he took in his first five. The forward only attempted 144 shots last season but he was still a decent fantasy option due to his 23 goals, 43 assists, and plus-18. Filppula should continue to get top-six minutes.
Description: Red Wings rookie Damien Brunner scored a goal on three shots Tuesday versus Dallas.
Insight: The forward has three goals, one assist and 25 SOG in his first six NHL games. He has been skating in a prime spot on the same line with top passing forward Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, and it might be only a matter of time before his scoring picks up even more.
Description: Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg has at least one point in each of the last five games. He scored the game-winner on a power-play in the second period Tuesday at Dallas and added an assist in the third period.
Insight: Zetteberg's points slipped from 80 to 69 last season but he already has seven (2 G, 5 A) in six games to go with 25 SOG, 6 PIM and a plus-3.
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard will face the Stars Tuesday.
Insight: Howard has started every game for Detroit this season but hasn't been playing well. Howard has let in 15 goals on 146 shots while playing 287 minutes and compiling a 2-2-1 record.
Description: Red Wings center Darren Helm is doubtful for Tuesday's game against Dallas with a continuing back problem. He went for another MRI on Monday.
Insight: Helm had 26 points last season (9 G, 17 A) in 68 games. He's likely to be a third- or fourth-line center therefore seeing enough playing time to be a viable fantasy option is unlikely.
Description: Detroit Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson (groin) missed his second consecutive game Friday and is questionable for Sunday's game against Chicago.
Insight: Samuelsson dealt with a tender groin during training camp week but was healthy enough to play Detroit's first two games this season. He scored 30 goals for Vancvouver back in 2009, but these days is stuck on the Red Wings' third line and probably won't reach 10 goals in this shortened season.
Description: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jonathan Ericsson missed Friday's game against Minnesota with a bruised shoulder and is questionable for Sunday's game against Chicago.
Insight: Eriksson isn't a big point producer, but he posted a solid +16 rating last season. Fantasy owners can probably find better defenseman still available.
Description: Detroit Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson (groin) is doubtful for Friday's game against Minnesota.
Insight: Samuelsson dealt with a tender groin during training camp week but was healthy enough to play Detroit's first two games this season. He scored 30 goals for Vancvouver back in 2009, but these days is stuck on the Red Wings' third line and probably won't reach 10 goals this season.
Description: Red Wings center Valtteri Filppula left Thursday's practice early due to a sore knee and is questionable for Friday's game against Minnesota.
Insight: Filppula sprained his right knee in mid-November while playing in Finland during the lockout. Filppula hasn't recorded a point in three games after posting 66 last season.
Description: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jonathan Ericsson is questionable for Friday's game against Minnesota with a bruised shoulder.
Insight: Eriksson isn't a big point producer, but he posted a solid +16 rating last season. Fantasy owners can probably find better defenseman still available.
Description: Red Wings winger Todd Bertuzzi could make his season debut Friday against the Wild. Bertuzzi has been out with an illness.
Insight: Bertuzzi was believed to have mononucleosis but his tests came back negative, which has to be a huge relief for the Red Wings. Bertuzzi's return couldn't come soon enough for Detroit (1-2) who has scored just five goals in three games.
Description: Red Wings center Valtteri Filppula left Thursday's practice early due to a sore knee.
Insight: Filppula sprained his right knee in mid-November while playing in Finland during the lockout. Filppula hasn't recorded a point in three games after posting 66 last season.
Description: Red Wings defenseman Ian White will miss 2-3 weeks with a deep laceration on his left knee.
Insight: White was a strong fantasy defenseman last season as Nicklas Lidstrom's blue line partner but he due for a decline this season with Lidstrom in retirement. An extended absence won't help.
Description: Red Wings rookie Damien Brunner scored his first-career goal Tuesday versus Dallas. Brunner had six SOG, two PIM and a +1 in the game.
Insight: The 26-year-old Brunner was the leading scorer in the Swiss League, where he reportedly played well with Henrik Zetterberg during the lockout. He has already attempted 15 shots on goal in three games.
Description: Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard will start Tuesday despite playing through overtime in a shootout win Monday.
Insight: Howard allowed five goals in 41 minutes in the season opener but played better on Monday. He gave up three goals on 33 shots in 65 minutes to pick up win No. 1 this season.
Description: Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jonas Gustavsson suffered a groin injury Saturday and is questionable for Tuesday's game against Dallas.
Insight: Gustavsson came into the game as relief for a struggling Jimmy Howard. The Red Wings recalled Thomas McCollum to back up Howard until Gustavsson can return.
Description: According to Mlive.com, Red Wings winger Todd Bertuzzi could make his season debut Friday against the Wild. Bertuzzi has been out with an illness.
Insight: Bertuzzi was believed to have mononucleosis but his tests came back negative on Monday, which has to be a huge relief for the Red Wings. Bertuzzi's return couldn't come soon enough for Detroit after losing 6-0 to the Blues in the season opener on Saturday.
Description: Detroit winger Todd Bertuzzi (groin) is now doubtful for the season opener.
Insight: Bertuzzi is dealing with a tender groin and an illness. The forward's production has been steady at 38-45 points over his last five seasons but he's expected to play a lesser role this season.
Description: Red Wings center Darren Helm was placed on the injured reserve list and will miss a couple of games.
Insight: Helm had 26 points last season (9 G, 17 A) in 68 games. He's likely to be a third- or fourth-line center therefore seeing enough playing time to be a viable fantasy option is doubtful.
Description: Detroit winger Todd Bertuzzi is questionable for Saturday's game against St. Louis with a strained groin.
Insight: The veteran had 14 goals and 24 assists in 71 games last season and over the past five seasons has been pretty consistent in his production with 14-18 goals and 24-29 assists.
Description: Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk returned to the team from the KHL on Tuesday. SOURCE: DetroitNews.com
Insight: Datsyuk had permission to play in the KHL All-Star Game on Sunday but is back with the team and will be ready for the season opener. Datsyuk averaged nearly a point per game last season with an excellent plus/minus but he has dealt with some injuries the last two years so draft accordingly.
Description: The Red Wings held forward Mikael Samuelsson out of Monday's practice to protect a tender groin. SOURCE: Detroit Free Press
Insight: Samuelsson is expected to skate on the second line for Detroit after being signed in the offseason. He played with Vancouver and Florida last season and scored 31 points (14 G, 17 A) in 54 games. The one-time 30-goal scorer could challenge the 20-point plateau this season if he can stay healthy.
Description: Red Wings rookie Damien Brunner is expected to start on the team's top line with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg when the team kicks off the season. SOURCE: Mlive.com
Insight: The 26-year-old Brunner is the leading scorer in the Swiss League, where he reportedly played well with Zetterberg during the lockout. Brunner should see his draft stock rise dramatically.
Description: According to the Detroit Free Press, center Pavel Datsyuk will return to the Red Wings after Sunday's KHL All-Star Game in Russia.
Insight: Datsyuk has played well in Russia this winter and shouldn't miss a beat when he returns to the NHL. Datsyuk should be a solid mid-round selection in most fantasy leagues.
Description: Red Wings center Darren Helm is questionable for the start of the season after being struck in the cjeekbone by a puck during a workout in November.
Insight: Helm had 26 points last season (9 G, 17 A) in 68 games. He's likely to be a third- or fourth-line center therefore seeing enough playing time to be a viable fantasy option is questionable.
Description: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom officially announced his retirement on Thursday. The 42-year-old played 20 NHL seasons.
Insight: Lidstrom's fantasy value slipped last season as he posted 34 points, a plus-21, 28 penalty minutes, 17 power play points and 148 shots on goal. In his career, the future Hall of Famer scored 1142 points with a plus-450 rating.
