Captain nearly played Tuesday after missing nearly a month with recurring groin injury.

Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News
DETROIT-- The holiday season is over, but the Red Wings are going to get a belated gift anyway.

Steve Yzerman is expected to be in the lineup tonight when the Wings play host to the St. Louis Blues.

Yzerman hasn't played since Dec. 9 when he suffered a groin injury at Washington.

Yzerman said he has felt better when skating in the last week. He took part in Tuesday night's pregame skate and was prepared to play in the Wings' 4-2 loss to Minnesota.

Brendan Shanahan (back spasms) was a game-time decision, but Shanahan played. Yzerman would have if Shanahan didn't.

Coach Mike Babcock didn't mind sitting Yzerman.

"We want him to be over ready," Babcock said.

Yzerman twice has been forced out of the lineup this season because of groin injuries.

Babcock said the Wings don't want to see a third incident.

"He practiced well, and we'll see what happens in the morning skate, but we're planning that he's dressing (to play)," Babcock said.

Having skated for more than a week, and without any noticeable discomfort, Yzerman is excited about returning to the lineup.

"Significant," said Yzerman, when asked how much improvement there has been in the last week.

Yzerman's health was a major reason he declined a spot on the Canadian Olympic team before the roster was completed in mid-December.

In 21 games this season, Yzerman has four goals and five assists