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Red Wings injury news: Brian Rafalski’s OK, Pavel Datsyuk day-to-day

Johan Franzen, Tomas Holmstrom, Brian Rafalski, Pavel Datsyuk

Detroit Red Wings’ Johan Franzen, left, Tomas Holmstrom, both of Sweden, celebrate Franzen’s goal against Edmonton Oilers with teammates Brian Rafalski, and Pavel Datsyuk, right, of Russia, during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)

AP

The Detroit Red Wings might have gained two points during their 2-0 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets last night, but it looked like it might have come at the cost of two important players. Both Pavel Datsyuk and Brian Rafalski were banged up during that game, but Helene St. James reports that both players only have minor injuries.

St. James reports that Rafalski is expected to play against the Nashville Predators on Saturday while Datsyuk is day-to-day, meaning that game is a toss-up for the Russian forward. Rafalski tweaked his knee during the third period while Datsyuk suffered a lower-body injury from a Rick Nash hit along the boards during the second, according to St. James.

Jiri Hudler is one player who will miss that game, though, as flu symptoms will sideline him until Monday’s game against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

It’s tough not to worry a bit about Detroit’s age these days - especially when you consider the kind of mileage players such as Datsyuk have accrued from all the lengthy playoff runs - but the Red Wings are still an elite team in the West. Especially with Rafalski and Datsyuk remaining healthy.