Detroit Red Wings' Darren Helm comeback uncertain but Danny Cleary confirmed for postseason opener
Detroit Red Wings suffered a lot during the final weeks of the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season in terms of points and ranking in the Western Conference but were able to breathe easier as Danny Cleary was confirmed to make a comeback
in their playoff opener against Nashville Predators on Wednesday, April 11, 2012.
Injuries devastated the Detroit Red Wings team and forced them to drop down to number five from holding the number two spot prior to the All-Star Game weekend, but now as players easily return to the line-up, the team is hopeful for a powerful rebound.
It surely was not good news for Nashville Predators that Cleary will be returning to play but can be rest assured that 25-year-old Detroit center, Darren Helm, is still not going to be playing after not feeling ready-to-go after a few practice session with
an MCL sprain.
Cleary, who is still struggling with a left knee injury, will not be perfectly healthy for game-one, but has planned on going on with the show despite the pain.
“Yeah,” Cleary said. “Nothing I can really do. The rest helps a lot to bring down the swelling, but once you get back on the ice, it’s pretty sore.” "I'm going to have to find a way to get through it," Cleary said. "Do the best I can and find a way to contribute."
According to Detroit head coach, Mike Babcock, Darren Helm should not be completely ruled out for game-one but on the other hand, he is expected to be joining the team for the next game in Nashville.
"He skated three days before. You'd never know by watching him practice he's hurt at all," Babcock said. "He might tell you he doesn't feel great. I just saw him out there with other NHL players, and he looked good to me."
With a little bit of mental dedication, both Danny Cleary and Darren Helm are hoping for a significant comeback during the playoffs in order to help and lead their team over a rowdy Nashville Predators team. As both teams are focused on getting past to the
next round and eventually a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, it only makes it more exciting with each passing day.
Tags: