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The Detroit Red Wings have been struggling a bit as of late, but they will get Johan Franzen and Jonathan Ericsson back in the lineup starting tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Franzen, who has scored 26 goals to go with 27 assists this season, has missed the last four games due to back spasms. He rejoins line-mates Pavel Datsyuk and Todd Bertuzzi tonight in Columbus.
Ericsson has missed the last month due to a fracture in his left wrist. Ericsson took a puck to the wrist against the Colorado Avalanche back on February 26 against the Colorado Avalanche. Ericsson will play tonight, but look for his minutes to be reduced as Red Wings coach Mike Babcock looks to reacclimate him to the lineup. Youngster Brendan Smith has filled in admirably for the Swede, but Ericsson’s experience will most certainly be called upon as the Wings get ready for another Stanley Cup run.
The Red Wings as a whole do appear to be nearing the end of the injury problems. The only regulars still not playing are the goaltenders Jimmy Howard and Joey MacDonald. Injuries played a big part in the Detroit struggles over the last few months, but the recent success combined with their improved health bodes well moving forward.
Including tonight, the Red Wings have only 6 games left as they jockey for position heading into the postseason. Detroit is trying to fight off the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks for the 4 seed in the west and home ice in the first round of the playoffs.
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