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Red Wings’ Helm a game-time decision against Wild

Detroit Red Wings v Ottawa Senators

OTTAWA, ON - DECEMBER 1: Darren Helm #43 of the Detroit Red Wings skates during an NHL game against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on December 1, 2013 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Darren Helm

Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo

The Detroit Red Wings, riddled with injuries, could get Darren Helm in their lineup against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Then again, maybe not.

According to the Red Wings’ website, Helm has been cleared to play, having missed the last eight games with a concussion. His last game was on March 4, against the New Jersey Devils, when he suffered the injury.

Based on the comments of head coach Mike Babcock, it appears the decision to put Helm in the lineup or not will be made closer to game-time on Saturday.

“I don’t know,” Babcock said, as per The Detroit News. “We’ll see in the morning after warm-up whether he’s ready or not.”

The Red Wings have been plagued by injuries this season, including to stars like Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.

Given their situation, and that includes a fight to make the playoffs, with the Red Wings sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference and one point back of the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets heading into tonight’s NHL schedule, Helm is eager to get back into game action.

“I’m excited to get back in, obviously,” said Helm, as per the Red Wings’ website. “I want to get back out there and get going with the team.

“A bunch of good skates, cleared by the doctor, did my concussion test, I guess you could call it, did well on that and I feel good and ready to go.”

Helm has appeared in only 29 of Detroit’s 69 games this season.

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