Yzerman likely back for Flames
October 3, 2005
FREE PRESS STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES
Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman will likely play his first game at Joe Louis Arena, although it might not be the season opener Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues.
The Wings play at St. Louis on Thursday, then have two days off before hosting the Calgary Flames next Sunday. Yzerman, 40, has been sidelined with a groin injury. General manager Ken Holland said Sunday that Yzerman's availability for Wednesday wouldn't be determined until after he practiced today.
"If he can't play Wednesday, he probably won't play Thursday," Holland said.
Yzerman, sixth on the NHL career scoring list, leads all active players with 1,721 points. He needs 50 to tie Marcel Dionne for fifth place and 79 points to tie Gordie Howe (1,850) for third.
Notebook: Holland said forward Blake Sloan has been released and defenseman Andy Delmore has been waived. "If he clears waivers," Holland said. "We're assigning him to Grand Rapids."...Holland said he still needed to talk to forward Rem Murray today. Murray's career appeared to be over in 2004 when he was diagnosed with cervical dystonia. But the Wings have been pleased with his play in training camp.