Detroit Red Wings Roster Report
--LW Johan Franzen's third-period goal was insignificant to the outcome of the game. But it could be a boost confidence boost for the struggling power forward. It was just Franzen's second goal in his last 24 games, since his five-goal outburst at Ottawa on Feb. 2. Franzen has a history of stepping up in the playoffs, so the Wings aren't overly concerned with his slump.
--C Darren Helm scored his 12th goal, establishing a career-high. Helm has been more dangerous offensively this season, as he's learned to bury some of the many scoring chances he creates with his speed. But his main focus continues to be defense, penalty-killing and forechecking.
--G Jimmy Howard has looked sharp in two games since returning from a sprained left shoulder. He has stopped 57 of 63 shots and made some big saves in the third period with the game on the line each of the last two days. Howard is hoping to head into the playoffs with a consistent stretch after an up-and-down season.
MEDICAL WATCH
--G Chris Osgood (surgery on Jan. 11 for a sports hernia) is on long-term injured reserve. He is eligible to return on April 8.
--D Niklas Kronwall has missed two games with an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day.
GOALTENDERS
--Jimmy Howard
--Joey MacDonald
DEFENSE PAIRINGS
--Nicklas Lidstrom, Brad Stuart
--Jonathan Ericsson, Brian Rafalski
--Jakub Kindl, Ruslan Salei
FIRST LINE
--C Henrik Zetterberg, C Pavel Datsyuk, RW Dan Cleary
SECOND LINE
--LW Johan Franzen, C Justin Abdelkader, RW Todd Bertuzzi
THIRD LINE
--LW Jiri Hudler, C Valtteri Filppula, RW Tomas Holmstrom
FOURTH LINE
--LW Drew Miller, C Darren Helm, RW Patrick Eaves
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