Here’s an odd, out-of-left-field story for your Tuesday afternoon: Pavel Datsyuk had minor arthroscopic surgery to remove some bone fragments removed in what was dubbed “an old thing” by coach Mike Babcock. It was done now to make sure that he’s back to 100% for the playoffs.
Datsyuk comes out of the lineup, and Dan Cleary goes back in. Cleary is expected to play tonight in Chicago after missing the last five. He twice had a cyst in his knee drained to take some pressure out of the joint — a similar situation to the one that essentially removed me from the game altogether. I also had a cyst in my knee joint — but it was wrapped around the tendons and both inside and out of the joint — and had it removed. That he’s back after five games is pretty amazing considering it took me 18 months to walk to the bathroom without pain.
The new lines look a little something like this, per Babcock:
Franzen :: Zetterberg :: Bertuzzi
Cleary :: Filppula :: Hudler
Miller :: Helm :: Abdelkader
Mursak :: Emmerton :: Holmstrom
With twelve healthy forwards, no one will be recalled for now. If it becomes apparent that Cleary isn’t in game shape, or another forward is lost to injury, the top candidates for recall are Gustav Nyquist, Chris Conner, and Tomas Tatar — who has been called up twice, but scratched at the last minute both times.
I think that second line will look different. I actually see Abby centering that line. That’s how he started the last game. Cleary is effective on the 3rd line and will probably start there. Other than that.. looking good! Time to step it up Z!
Nevermind.. you were right. I’m surprised he isn’t keeping Flip on the wing. Oh well.
Be honest–you can never walk to the bathroom without pain.
Is that a “it burns when I pee “reference? If so, I like it. And yes… always a little sting in the potty.
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