Yzerman says knee returning to form as playoffs approach

Tuesday, March 23, 2004

By Ansar Khan

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The Detroit Red Wings have had groin pulls, ankle sprains, separated shoulders, sore backs, cracked bones and assorted other injuries this season.

Through it all, Steve Yzerman's reconstructed right knee has been amazingly durable. The captain's health was one of the club's main concerns coming into the season. He said there's no comparison how his knee feels now as opposed to one year ago at this time.

"My knee in general is 100 percent better," Yzerman said. "I'm just able to skate a lot better."

The Wings, who continue their five-game road trip tonight in San Jose, have seven games left in the regular season. And Yzerman is looking forward to being healthy heading into the playoffs, something he hasn't been able to say in four years.

"With the playoffs coming I've been really trying to get going and feel good and get more accomplished," Yzerman said. "Playoffs are obviously important. I really want to be ready to go then. I want to play well now and I'm hoping I can turn it up a notch again in the playoffs."

Linemate Ray Whitney hasn't known Yzerman long, but has played against him for many years and said this is the best he's looked in some time.

"Great players and great leaders always look for the challenges in the playoffs," Whitney said. "I'm sure he's looking forward to playing on two good legs."

After undergoing an osteotomy on Aug. 2, 2002, Yzerman was limited to 20 games, including the playoffs, last season. And it was a struggle for him.

A long rest last summer did wonders for his knee. He has been more productive than anyone could have predicted. He has a goal and four assists in the last two games and 18 goals and 49 points on the season.

"Over the last month I've really felt a lot better," Yzerman said. "Energy-wise, I feel like I'm getting stronger, my leg feels real good, I'm real pleased with that. I feel like I've got some jump. Nice to see some opportunities go in the net."

The team was hoping Yzerman could play in 50 to 60 games this season. He probably could have played every game up until now if not for a groin strain that idled him for six games in December. He's rested only one game. He continues to play in back-to-back games and doesn't take any practices off.

"I certainly think he's skating better or as well as he has in 3-4 years," Whitney said. "I think he's playing better than a lot of people thought he would coming into the season, maybe better than he thought he would at the start."

After playing three games in four nights, the Wings enjoyed a complete day off on Monday. Some were looking forward to a round of golf at Pebble Beach.

Players said Sunday's bizarre 8-6 loss at Anaheim was no cause for alarm.

"We haven't had this (defensive meltdown) all year, so I don't foresee it being a trend," Yzerman said.

Said Brett Hull: "It certainly isn't a bump (in the road), it's a mountain. We'll take one of those and run as opposed to a bunch of little ones. Just get our (bleep) together for (tonight)."

Defenseman Mathieu Schneider (groin strain/hip flexor) and Derian Hatcher (mild shoulder separation) will be re-evaluated today. The team did not recall anyone from AHL Grand Rapids on Monday.