Injury updates

Some good news on the recent rash of injuries to the Red Wings. Jimmy Howard, who was injured early in the third period of a 4-2 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday, looks to be day-to-day. An MRI came back negative, and Howard only has a sprained left shoulder after Joffrey Lupul landed on him trying to purposely interfere because he knew he could get away with it. (Of course, the goal was scored and it was a "good goal" after further review). Thomas McCollum has been recalled from Toledo in the ECHL to fill in while Howard is out.

Forward Johan Franzen says he'll be ready for Monday night's tilt with the Chicago Blackhawks. Pavel Datsyuk, who has been battling a lower-body injury, looks to be back sometime later in the week.

Both stories from the Khan after the jump:

On Franzen and Datsyuk:

Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen pronounced himself ready to return to the lineup Monday against Chicago. Coach Mike Babcock said they'll wait until Monday to decide if Franzen can play.

Franzen has missed four games with a sore groin.

“I'm playing tomorrow,'' Franzen said after Sunday's practice. "I was skating with max speed. Usually takes 2-3 games to get back to 100 percent.''

He was skating on a line with Todd Bertuzzi and Justin Abdelkader.

“We'll check tomorrow if he'll be back,'' Babcock said. "What we do here is we got medical people who decide those things. He says he skated good today. We'll see how he is tomorrow. If he's available, he'll go.''

Babcock said Pavel Datsyuk (lower-body injury) will return either Wednesday at home against St. Louis or Saturday in Nashville.

On Howard:

An MRI revealed no damage. Howard is listed as day-to-day. He is hoping to return for Wednesday's home game against St. Louis. That appears overly optimistic. But he is confident he'll play some games before the playoffs.

"I'll be ready for the playoffs. We got enough games left. Still a couple of weeks away,'' Howard said. "Hopefully this doesn't keep me out (too long). Hopefully I can come back possibly Wednesday. I'm going to do the best I can to try to get back as soon as possible, icing it like crazy and continue to work with (trainers).''