Cleary (knee) out for the weekend; Howard (broken finger) a week away

Amid the Winter Classic news Thursday, there were some present day Red Wings news items as well.
General manager Ken Holland said Danny Cleary will have his knee drained of fluid today and will likely miss Friday’s game against Anaheim and Sunday’s game against Philadelphia.
“We’ll decide how he’s feeling Monday but basically he’s day to day,” said Holland, who added Jan Mursak will replace Cleary in the lineup.
Holland said there’s nothing new with goalie Jimmy Howard (broken right index finger).
“The doctor gave him the green light (Wednesday, to practice) whenever he feels comfortable wth the vibrations (of taking an opposing player’s shot),” Holland said. “I would assume he’ll take a few shots (at practice) tomorrow and if he feels good, he’ll take some more and if he’s not, he won’t. I don’t want to put a time frame on it but in another week to 10 days, I would think he’s going to be playing.”
Holland also agreed with coach Mike Babcock in that the back-up goaltending position behind Howard is wide open right now, with Ty Conklin and Joey MacDonald competing.
MacDonald has impressed since being promoted Friday after Howard’s injury.
“It has to be (wide open),” Holland said. “Part of being a pro athlete is what you’ve done in the past but ultimately is what you do day after day. Conk has played some good hockey and there have been some nights when things haven’t gone his way. Joey did a good job in Phoenix and again (last night against Edmonton).
“But, again it could switch. For now, it’s day to day and game to game.”