Wings RW Samuelsson may play in series opener

Apr 8, 2008 - 8:25 PM DETROIT (Ticker) -- After welcoming back Tomas Holmstrom in their regular-season finale, the Detroit Red Wings may have another injured player ready for their playoff opener.

According to a report by the Detroit News on Tuesday, right wing Mikael Samuelsson could be in the Red Wings' lineup for the first game of their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the Nashville Predators on Thursday.

Samuelsson missed the final five games of the regular season with a groin injury. The 31-year-old Swede, who last played on March 25 against the St. Louis Blues, admittedly felt better when he skated after Detroit's practice on Tuesday, according to the newspaper.

"I felt pretty good," Samuelsson said. "I'll skate again (Wednesday) and see how I feel."

In 73 games this season, Samuelsson recorded 11 goals and 29 assists, finishing five points shy of his career high of 45 set in 2005-06.

The return of Samuelsson would be a welcome sight for the Red Wings, who likely will be without left wing Kirk Maltby (hamstring) but are expected to have back defenseman Brad Stuart (finger) and center Kris Draper (groin) for their series opener against the Predators.