Red Wings expect Lidstrom back for Game 1 vs. Pens

By AP

DETROIT (AP) – DETROIT (AP) - The Red Wings expect star defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom to play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals against Pittsburgh on Saturday.

General manager Ken Holland says he's encouraged by how Lidstrom has recovered from the lower-body injury that sidelined him for two games.

Holland says the Wings won't know until tomorrow -- when the series starts -- if MVP finalist Pavel Datsyuk (foot) and Jonathan Ericsson (acute appendicitis) will be available.

Kris Draper (lower-body injury) is doubtful for Game 1, but Holland expects him to play later in the series.