The Detroit Red Wings are down 2-1 in their opening playoff series against the Nashville Predators, and things aren't likely to get any easier. Not only are they down Darren Helm for the remainder of the playoffs, but the Predators' Hal Gill could be returning soon. He's officially questionable for the fourth game of the series, according to the Detroit Free Press:

Trotz on Hal Gill: "He skated today, is day-to-day. Stayed out for quite a while." Questionable for Game 4 (lower body)

— Helene St. James (@freepwings) April 16, 2012

Gill was injured in the final game of the regular season, when he blocked a shot from Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray (who is no slouch at hitting the puck very, very hard) and hasn't played at all in the playoffs. Gill is a very good defenseman, and his absence has hurt the Predators, so if he's set to return, that could be bad news for the Red Wings.

That being said, if he misses more time, that's more opportunities for the Red Wings to take advantage of a Predators defense that is stretched thin. As it stands, Gill is day-to-day and when game four comes along, he'll likely be a game-time decision for Nashville.

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