October 27, 2005

BY HELENE ST. JAMES
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

The three-visor line is set to make its debut.

Eleven games into the 2005-06 season, Steve Yzerman will make his first appearance at Joe Louis Arena tonight when the Red Wings host Chicago in the first of three straight games against the Blackhawks.

Yzerman missed the season opener Oct. 5 because of a groin injury, came back Oct. 13 at Los Angeles, but pulled his groin Oct. 15 at Phoenix. So much has happened since that day: The Wings (9-1) sit atop the NHL with 18 points. Kris Draper almost lost his right eye and now plays with a visor.

Coincidentally, so does Yzerman, and so does Kirk Maltby. The three of them skated on a line together when Yzerman played in his first two games and were back together Wednesday during practice.

But it's Yzerman's vision, not his visor, that prompted coach Mike Babcock to put the three together. He hopes Yzerman can jumpstart the line, ideally creating a third column of attack for Detroit.

"He's another guy who can make plays offensively, which I think is real important," Babcock said. "He's got to find his niche. Where is he going to fit? Where is he going to get his minutes? What is he going to do? We don't know, but we know we're excited to have him. We think he can be a big part, but he's got to stay healthy so he can get his tempo up and get going."

The NHL's new emphasis on skating wouldn't seem ideal for a 40-year-old forward, but Yzerman has surprised hockey fans before. Two years ago, his considerable problems with his knees were expected to restrict him to being a role player. Instead, Yzerman played 75 games. This season, the door is open for him to do whatever he can.

"It's up to him to forge out his role," Babcock said. "He's our team leader, and he's a consummate professional who's beyond competitive. What I want him to do is bring that competitiveness to the team."

Others see another benefit to having Yzerman back.

"It's just fun to have him," Robert Lang said. "It's just his presence. You can't explain it. He's just there -- and just by being there, it's fun."