Brad Stuart sits out practice, hopes to play Friday against Edmonton

Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart sat out Thursday’s practice with a twisted ankle but hopes to be back in the lineup Friday when the Wings face off against Edmonton at the Joe.

“I think I can play, but I’ll see how it feels tomorrow,” Stuart said. “Questionable is a good way to put it.”

Stuart was hurt in the second period of Wednesday night’s 2-1 loss to the Kings when he fell awkwardly. X-Rays revealed no damage on the ankle.

Detroit’s other injured defenseman Brian Rafalski who’s been out with back spasms says his status for Friday’s game will be determined after Friday’s morning skate.

The Wings are on a season high four game winless streak and hope to snap that tomorrow night. Ansar Khan of Mlive.com says that some line shuffling was done during this mornings practice.

Franzen-Datsyuk-Holmstrom
Filppula-Zetterberg-Bertuzzi
Hudler-Modano-Cleary
Abdelkader-Helm-Draper/Miller
Eaves skated but did not participate in line rushes.

On defense, with Stuart sitting out, these are the pairs they used:

Lidstrom-Ericsson
Kronwall-Rafalski
Kindl-Salei

Howard
MacDonald
Osgood

Source: Mlive.com