Report: Detroit loses Helm for remainder of playoffs

According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, Darren Helm‘s postseason is over.

That’s the report after Helm underwent surgery yesterday following his arm getting cut by Alexander Radulov‘s skate in Nashville’s 3-2 series-opening win over Detroit.

“Helm playoff run is over,” Kypreos tweeted. “It’s believed tendon damage that required surgery went well.”

Kypreos’ report confirms what the Detroit Free Press suggested yesterday:

Losing Helm for the series – and almost certainly for the duration of the playoffs – is a blow to the Wings’ third line, by domino effect their fourth line, and to the penalty kill. The Wings were also counting on Helm to be a big hitter especially against Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, helping to wear them down during the series.

Helm had only just come back to play in Game 1 after being out since March 17, when he suffered a sprained MCL.

“I feel bad for him,” Brad Stuart said. “He’s worked hard to get back. I don’t know what the severity of his injury is, but you’ve got to feel bad for the kid, he worked hard to get back and only lasted a couple of shifts. It’s going to be a big loss for us, but we’ve got somebody else to step up for us.”

Helm, 25, figured to be a key figure for Detroit this postseason. He’s played in 65 career playoff games and won a Cup with Detroit in his rookie year of 2007-08.