The defenceman had been out with an undisclosed injury but was seen skating with regular partner, Brian Rafalski, during practice.

Unfortunately, there is a less definitive picture of what’s happening with Pavel Dastyuk.  Detroit coach, Mike Babcock, said that it will come down to a last-minute decision before Saturday’s game.  In my opinion, if there is still a doubt, I think he should rest for one more game and be truly ready for Game 2 rather than putting himself at a greater risk for injury (clearly, that didn’t workout so well when Martin Havlat forced his way onto the bench for the Chicago Blackhawks).  The star player has been out for the last three games final with a foot injury.

Datsyuk and Kris Draper (missed two games with a groin injury) were both back on the ice for Friday’s morning skate but Datsyuk was not putting a lot of effort into it which indicates to me that he’s still suffering or cautious.

Jonathan Ericsson will also rejoin his team for Game 1 although he didn’t skate as a precaution just days following surgery for acute appendicitis.

image: TSN

Post from: Hockey Beat