The Red Wings got big news this morning when coach Mike Babcock said center Darren Helm will return to the lineup for Game 1 of Detroit’s Stanley Cup Playoff series against Nashville.
Game 1 begins at 8 p.m. tonight at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville and can be seen locally on FSN Detroit and CBC. Nationally, the game is being carried on CNBC.
Ted Kulfan reported earlier today that Babcock is likely to scratch either Gustav Nyquist or Cory Emmerton in place of Helm, who hasn’t played since March 17.
The news is big for the Wings, as the speedy Helm can help reconnect the team’s third and fourth lines.
Jimmy Howard will get the start in goal for Detroit. Nashville will start Pekka Rinne (43-18-8, 2.39 GAA, .920 SV%), who has been a workhorse for the Predators this season, starting 72 games.
The 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off tonight with three games. In addition to the Wings and Nashville, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will continue their rivalry and President’s Trophy winner Vancouver hosts Los Angeles.
Stay with us all night long for the latest updates on tonight’s game.
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