Red Wings D Lidstrom returns vs. Predators

Mar 10, 2008 - 12:43 AM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom had a triumphant return to the ice as he recorded two assists in his team's 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Sunday.

After missing his six previous games with a sprained MCL, the five-time Norris Trophy winner set up a pair of power-play goals by Johan Franzen.

"I felt good," said Lidstrom, who logged 24 minutes and 34 seconds of ice time on Sunday. "It helped early on to be on the power play a lot and get a lot of ice time. You're able to hold on to the puck a little more and make plays. That helped me get used to the game speed again."

The 37-year-old Lidstrom has seven goals and 52 assists with a league-best plus-38 rating this season.

The Red Wings, who own the NHL's best record, were just 2-3-1 with the All-Star defenseman out of the lineup.

Lidstrom's return helps bolster an injury-plagued defense corps in Detroit. Brian Rafalski just returned Wednesday after missing eight games with a groin injury, but veteran Chris Chelios still is out with a right leg ailment.