Captain Nicklas Lidstrom’s return boosts Detroit Red Wings playoff hopes-NHL News
The Detroit Red Wings had the much-needed boost to their line-up with the return of their captain, Nicklas Lidstrom, whose ankle injury has already cost him 11 games of the season.
Wings were hopeful about the captain’s return well before the end of the current regular season and the player’s reported participation in the game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, March 24, 2012, has made that coming possible earlier than their
anticipation.
He was lucky to have remained fit and in form as he had been unsuccessful in earlier attempt to return to the squad.
Lidstrom said:
"Oh, I wanted to play four weeks ago. I didn't want to miss any games. I thought it was going to be shorter. I wanted to play as soon as possible, but it just hasn't been able to do that."
Admittedly, he had not hoped for that much time to recover from a bruised ankle and missing of 11 games straight was too much for him to remain without the game.
This was the reason that the player had attempted earlier return but failed to prove his fitness. He is more cautious to his later return and has practised and trained extensively before confirming his availability.
He noted:
"It's a big difference from when I was out in California and went home from the trip. It feels a lot better than about a week ago. I think it helped to stay off of it and kind of let it rest, let it heal for a few days, not putting any pressure on it. I
thought that really helped."
As a safety measures, the player had been wearing a protective cover on the ankle to avoid the possibility of a puck hit, which can certainly push him back further in the recovery.
The team has also noted the progress in his fitness despite admitting that his ankle remained sore. Lidstrom himself pointed out that the ankle was sore still but it was not causing any problem or hurdle in skating.
To test the fitness, the player has extensively skated along with the teammates earlier at practice session and then on his own. He remained upbeat about the recovery.
He has returned at a crucial stage. Wings stay at 5th position in the Western Conference and are aiming to remain well on the course to the playoffs. They certainly stand benefiting from the captain’s return.
The player has played 62 games this season. He maintains the record of 10 goals, 21 assists and plus-25 rating. With several more games to play in the season, he will certainly be looking to improve the record further.
Most importantly, his comeback will increase the team’s prospects of playing in the second round.
Tags: