D Lidstrom returns for Winter Classic

Jan 1, 2009 - 11:44 PM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- The Detroit Red Wings welcomed back captain Nicklas Lidstrom for Thursday's 6-4 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.

The six-time Norris Trophy-winning defenseman missed Detroit's previous two games with an ankle injury. The 38-year-old Swede, who has recorded five goals and 19 assists in 35 contests this season, posted a plus-2 rating in the outdoor contest.

"The ankle felt OK," Lidstrom said. "We did some adjustments to my skate, to the boot itself. It relieved some pressure on the point where it's been hurting. I would have played on it anyway, even if it would have been an indoor game."

The Red Wings also got back the services of right wing Mikael Samuelsson, who sat out the club's 4-0 home win over the Blackhawks on Tuesday with the flu. Entering with seven goals and 18 assists in 35 games, the 32-year-old Swede netted Detroit's first tally in Thursday's contest.