The Detroit Red Wings are getting set to kick off their playoff series against the Nashville Predators on Wednesday, and there's some interesting and pertinent injury news prior to game one. According to a Tweet from John Niyo, Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said that Darren Helm will be playing in the game.
That's a contrast to what's been said for the last week or so, with all indications being that Helm wouldn't be ready for game one, but possibly good-to-go for game two. His presence will be good for the Red Wings, who struggled mightily with injuries over the second half of the season.
It also looks like Dan Cleary is good for game one, according to another Tweet from Niyo. Recent reports suggested that Cleary would be ready in game one, but the conformation is now there. With Cleary in, and Riley Sheahan, Jan Mursak and Chris Conner out for sure as healthy scratches, that means the last forward spot is down to Gustav Nyquist and Cory Emmerton.
As far as injury news on the flip-side is concerned, there is one significant mention for the Predators: defenseman Hal Gill. He's got a lower-body injury and missed team drills on Tuesday, and was apparently injured when he blocked a shot from Stars defenseman Sheldon Souray in a game on Thursday.
The Detroit Free Press had the news that Gill will be a game-time decision. It'd be a significant loss for the Predators if he's unable to go, even if it's just one game. Either way, we'll know the status of him shortly before the game at 8:00 p.m. eastern on Wednesday.
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