Chris Osgood will get the start in net tonight against Minnesota. Jimmy Howard, who has carried the team most of the year, let in five goals last night against the Coyotes. However, I’d argue that probably only one of those was one that he really had a chance at stopping (the second Yandle goal that made it 4-3 Detroit). It will be interesting to see how Ozzie does considering his drastically diminished playing time. Osgood needs to be on tonight against the Wild as the Wings try to shake off that nasty loss last night.
Johan Franzen was told by doctors that his knee is fine and he can start playing whenever he feels capable. Franzen expects another two weeks before he is ready to go, putting him back right before the Olympic Break. In my opinion, keep him off the ice until after the Olympics. Extra rest and practice could go a long way towards being ready for the marathon of games following the break.
Andreas Lilja has gone 14 days without headaches and plans to meet with team doctors and the front office to decide where to go next on the path to recovery from his concussion.
Ansar Khan also reported that Derek Meech is in for Brett Lebda tonight and will play with Brad Stuart on the second pairing while Niklas Kronwall joins Jonathan Ericsson on the third pairing. The forwards will all stay the same.
