Darren Helm is expected to return to the lineup tonight against the Edmonton First Rounders. Hooray!
We all know the situation - Helm has played less than four periods of hockey in the NHL since March of 2012. Proof. Mr. Danger Zone did play two games in the AHL two weeks ago, in which he played pretty well and missed two shorthanded opportunities, because that's what happens. He looked tired towards the end of each shift/period, but it's to be expected. On that note...
We shouldn't be expecting Helm to be on fire right away. Yes, he may play well in his first game or two, but over the first few games, he's going to have issues adjusting back to the NHL game compared the AHL game/not playing. If you're expecting him to come out and play 17 minutes of hard, aggressive hockey, you're in for a disappointment. As much as I want him to get there, it's going to take time, and the Wings should ease him in slowly.
The safest bet is to play Helm on the fourth line and aim to give him between 8 and 11 minutes of ice time. He should get some penalty kill time, but I'd still give Andersson/Miller the bulk of the duties. Maybe play Helm 30-45 seconds (if possible) for each shift and a regular 4th line shift.
If the Wings can do that and slowly get him up to game shape, I'm thinking Helm will return to form in 15-20 games, with the obvious caveat that he doesn't hurt something else. That being said, let's enjoy Helm's return to the lineup. It's always great to see someone work so hard to return to the lineup. Now, if he would just keep his damn shirt on so it wouldn't make things that much harder for me with the ladies I mean YEAH HELM!
In case you're not pumped up enough for the game, this should get you in the mood:
LET'S GO RED WINGS!
update at 2:08pm
Motherfu....
Babcock said Helm will play on line with Miller and Samuelsson, who is in for Eaves, a healthy scratch. Franzen, as noted earlier, is out.Helm is now going to take 65 games to get up to speed and will score negative ALL OF THE GOALS.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) November 2, 2013
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