Nicklas Lidstrom should return to the Detroit Red Wings in time to get in shape for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The five-time Norris Trophy winner as the NHL's top defenceman will miss three weeks after an MRI exam Wednesday revealed a mild ligament strain in his right knee.
Injured Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom, left, will have one more test for a concussion.Lidstrom, 37, said the knee felt better Wednesday, two days after he was slammed into the boards by Colorado Avalanche tough guy Ian Laperriere.
He staggered while leaving the ice and is scheduled for one more test for a concussion.
"I was hoping for something shorter, but right now they're saying three weeks," Lidstrom, sporting a knee brace, told the Detroit News.
Lidstrom, who said Laperriere's hit was not dirty, has posted seven goals and 50 assists for 57 points in 61 games this season, his 16th with the Red Wings.
Lidstrom has totalled 209 goals and 925 points in 1,237 games since being drafted in the third round (53rd overall) by Detroit in 1989.
He has missed just 22 games since entering the NHL.
In related news, the Red Wings have placed goaltender Dominik Hasek (hip flexor) and defenceman Brian Rafalski (groin) on injured reserve. The team is also without blue-liner Niklas Kronwall (clavicle) and forward Dan Cleary (broken jaw).
Defenceman Jonathan Ericsson and forward Mark Hartigan have been recalled from Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League.
Detroit, which leads the NHL with a 42-15-5 record for 89 points, is idle until Friday night when it visits Calgary.
Blue Jays hang on to beat Athletics
Lyle Overbay's bases-loaded double highlighted a three-run eighth inning as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Oakland Athletics 5-4 on Tuesday.
Blackhawks hang on to Tim Brent
The Chicago Blackhawks signed Tim Brent to a one-year contract on Thursday, bringing back the centre they acquired in a trade last month.
Davydenko bumped off at Madrid Masters
Fifth seed Nikolay Davydenko of Russia was defeated in three sets Wednesday at the Madrid Masters by Robby Ginepri.
Contact Us About Us HomeMonday, December 1st, 2008