October 7, 2005

BY GEORGE SIPPLE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

ST. LOUIS -- Steve Yzerman said Thursday that he wasn't sure whether he would be back in the lineup Sunday when the Red Wings face Calgary.

Yzerman, who missed Wednesday's season-opening 5-1 victory over St. Louis at Joe Louis Arena because of a groin injury, participated in an optional skate Thursday morning at the Savvis Center in St. Louis.

Asked about the possibility of returning Sunday, Yzerman said: "I don't know. Not ready to play today. Skate Saturday and determine whether Sunday's a go."

Yzerman said Thursday's practice was "the hardest really I've skated since the first of the week."

"Going hard, real hard and quick, you just feel the muscle still tightens up," he said. "Today was a step forward."

After most of the team had left the ice, Yzerman, defenseman Jamie Rivers and rookie goaltender Jimmy Howard remained with the coaching staff and continued to work.

Yzerman said the groin injury occurred while he was skating in a practice.

"Just felt it tear," he said. "One stride, I could feel it."

Yzerman, 40, had been concerned with getting through training camp healthy.

"But what are you going to do?" he said. "Injuries are part of it. Just do what you can do and I'll be ready to go. I think we have a little more depth than people realize. When I'm ready to play I'll go, whether that's next game or the following one."