Daniel Alfredsson News

Monday would be a fitting date because the Red Wings host the Ottawa Senators; the only two teams Alfie ever played for. Despite playing in just 68 games in his first season in Detroit, Alfredsson finished tied for the team lead in points (49) and had 18 goals. He did tell the Wings in June that he wanted to play another season, but he needed to make sure his back could hold up before finally deciding on his future.

Afredsson, less than two months shy of his 42nd birthday, is no longer skating at Joe Louis Arena, and last week told general manager Ken Holland that there wasn't much of a chance that that would change. "He was feeling pretty good but was getting frustrated because he wasn't getting over the hump," Holland told the Free Press today. "He would feel good, push it and have a setback. He was frustrated because he was not able to get to the point where he wants to be at to tell me he wants to practice with us." Holland told Alfredsson to take more time, that the Wings are "prepared to wait a little longer." It's dubious that anything will change, however.

A healthy Alfredsson gives the Wings another potential scoring threat to try and get the Wings back into the series.

Game 4 should dictate who would come out if Alfie can return.

In a less than stellar postseason, Alfredsson has clearly not looked himself - possibly due to this back injury.

Alfie will sit out of the Red Wings' season finale but will be ready for game 1 of the playoffs. Joakim Andersson will enter the lineup for Alfredsson.

This morning was the first time that Alfredsson skated since Sunday's game. The Red Wings have a back-to-back on Friday and Saturday, so don't be surprised if Alfie sits tonight and returns on Saturday vs. the Canadiens.

Alfredsson missed Wednesday's game and did not skate again on Thursday, his status for tonight's game is in question, but his presence on the ice this morning is a good sign. Monitor his status after the skate.

Alfredsson missed Wednesday's win over the Bruins and did not skate again this morning. The Red Wings are in action on Friday, so his status for that game looks rather cloudy. The Red Wings have a plethora of young talent on the club right now, so they will likely let Alfie rest until he is 100 per cent.

Alfredsson was held out of practice on Tuesday, but said that he expects to play tonight vs. the Bruins. He did not skate again this morning and head coach Mike Babcock confirmed that Alfie will be out of the lineup tonight. Consider him day-to-day.

Tuesday was classified as a maintenance day for the veteran Swedish forward. He has picked up three goals and five assists in his last nine games and with the return of Pavel Datsyuk around the corner, that should bolster the Red Wings power-play and likely Alfie's PP numbers.

Alfredsson missed the last six games with back spasms, but will return tonight. He will skate on the third line with Darren Helm and Daniel Cleary. He has recorded 30 points (11G / 19A) in 38 games.

Alfredsson had his third good skating session in a row today with no setbacks. “I’m going to talk with the coaches and medical staff after practice (Friday) and go from there,” Alfredsson said. “A little more intense these last two days, but I feel good and I don’t expect anything will change until tomorrow.” Alfredsson has missed six games with lower back inflammation. Coach Mike Babcock said a decision on Alfredsson’s status will be made after the morning skate.

Alfredsson was on the ice with the Red Wings once again this morning, but ruled himself out of tomorrow's meeting with the Blackhawks. It will be the sixth consecutive game that Alfie has missed, but hopefully for the injury ravaged Red Wings he will be available for Friday.

Alfredsson did not play on Saturday night and will be forced to miss tonight's contest vs. the Ducks as well. The Red Wings are off until Thursday, so they are likely taking the safe route with their injury forwards, as Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen and Darren Helm all won't play either.

Alfredsson will not play tonight because of back spasms and his status for Sunday's contest is unknown. Mikael Samuelsson will enter the lineup for Alfredsson.

Updating his gametime decision status, it appears as if Alfie is good to go for the Winter Classic.

Alfredsson is a gametime decision. If you need to make a decision, err on the side of caution as he may be a late scratch and the cold may not be a good environment for him to excel in.

This is a tough break for Alfredsson who know doubt wants to suit up in the Winter Classic against a Leafs team he is so familiar with. Expect an update on Alfie's status tomorrow morning.

Alfredsson will play tonight after missing the last five games. The Red Wings will be without Pavel Datsyuk tonight due to a possible concussion, so Alfie will slide into the top-6 tonight. He registered three goals and 11 assists in his first 19 games as a Red Wing.