Wings’ Grind Line could return, but Darren McCarty can’t practice — yet | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
Darren McCarty, attempting a comeback after not playing NHL hockey since last April, was at Joe Louis Arena to get treatment for a rib cage injury. “He’s not available to practice at this point,” Babcock said. “Obviously, it’s discouraging for Mac. The only way he can get in our lineup and make an impression is if he’s healthy, so the first priority is getting him healthy.”

Chelios says Wings will be playing at Yankee Stadium next season - Detroit Red Wings Hockey: News, Blogs, Photos, Audio, Schedule & Stats - MLive.com
Wings defenseman Chris Chelios claims the Wings will be playing the Rangers in that rumored outdoor game at Yankee Stadium next season.

“I heard Detroit’s playing,” Chelios said after practice Monday. “Awesome, to be part of the last event at Yankee Stadium would be something special.”

There is no official word from the Wings or the NHL. The league is reportedly considering the Bruins as a possible opponent for the Rangers, if that game were to take place.

The game, if it materializes, could be on Jan. 1. That’s when Pittsburgh played at Buffalo this year in the first outdoor NHL game in the U.S.

Lidstrom makes immediate impact upon return
Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom was back on the ice Sunday at Joe Louis Arena during a matinee game against the Nashville Predators.

Lidstrom had been out of the lineup since Feb. 18, when he suffered a knee injury in a 4-0 win at Colorado.

The Red Wings had won just two games in his six-game absence.

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It didnt take long for Lidstrom to make an impact. He had an assist on the Red Wings first goal midway through the opening period when they had a two-man advantage.

Lidstrom found Henrik Zetterberg at the right circle and Zetterbergs centering pass was tipped in by Johan Franzen with 8:43 left.

Sounds like the wings picked up a Hockey player that idolized Brendan Shanahan, but with defenseman skills. Wings need some help on the d-line. Hopefully this draft pick can add to the teams near future.

And, yes, Smith was shocked and pleased to be chosen by the Wings, too.

“When my name was announced I was like “Was that my name?’ ” Smith said. “That was interesting. I’m thrilled. I can’t even describe it.”

On the surface, Smith fits the profile of the typical Wings draftee that’s a defenseman.

He can move the puck, is a great skater, quarterbacks the power play, and even though he lacks some size now at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds, he’s not afraid to throw his body around. Brendan Smith grew up in Toronto and was raised near Mimco, where former Red Wing Brendan Shanahan was born and raised. Smith wears No. 14, after Shanahan. detnews