The Wings may be getting another reinforcement this week with the return of defenseman Brad Stuart. Stuart has been out with a broken jaw since January 7th after taking a nasty hit from Calgary’s Tom Kostopolous.
Stuart would like to return Thursday night when the Wings take on the Lightning in Tampa Bay, however he still needs to be cleared by the doctors. This is according to Ansar Khan of Mlive.com.
“I would like to (play Thursday), kind of what I’m thinking,” Stuart said. “Can’t say for sure right now, but in my mind that’s kind of what I’m hoping for.
“Probably just need to make sure everybody else is on board with what I’m thinking, as far coaching staff, trainers, doctors.”
Goalie Chris Osgood also was on the ice during practice Monday participating in a 20 minute skate with his pads on minus the mask. Osgood did not participate in any drills however where he would have to mimic typical goaltending moves. This is something he hopes to do later in the week.
Defenseman Ruslan Salei was excused from Monday’s practice to be with his wife in Southern California while she gives birth to their third child.
Valtteri Filppula who went down last week with a sprained MCL hopes to skate Tuesday but said it is unlikely he plays Thursday in Tampa Bay.
Source: Mlive.com
