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Lidstrom, Datsyuk return as Red Wings face Stars

Jan 29, 2009 - 11:25 AM Dallas (21-18-7) at Detroit (31-9-7), 7:30 p.m. EST

DETROIT (Ticker) -- The reeling Detroit Red Wings felt the sting of a pair of their All-Stars getting slapped with a league-issued suspension.

However, defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk return to the lineup and will try to help the Red Wings avoid a fourth straight loss when they host the Dallas Stars on Thursday.

Detroit has surrendered 15 goals in its last three contests, including Tuesday's 3-2 overtime setback to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Datsyuk and Lidstrom sat out against the Blue Jackets because NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell on Friday said the pair missed the All-Star Weekend festivities.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman imposed the policy last year at the general managers' meetings to legitimize injury claims and improve attendance at the All-Star Game.

Though the Red Wings welcome back two key cogs, they will be without Henrik Zetterberg, who left in the first period Tuesday after his back tightened up, according to the Detroit Free Press.

"When he gets bumped in the back, we're probably overcautious," coach Mike Babcock told the newspaper. "We just felt that, a couple of years ago when we didn't do it that way, that it came back to bite us in the butt a little bit, so we're going to get it looked after. He'll miss (Thursday's) game, for sure."

The Red Wings on Wednesday signed Zetterberg to a 12-year contract extension that likely will keep last season's Conn Smythe Trophy winner in "Hockeytown" for the remainder of his career.

Dallas notched its second consecutive victory by stifling the Atlanta Thrashers, 2-0, on Tuesday.

Marty Turco has allowed two or fewer goals in three of his last four games after allowing four or more in three of his previous four.