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GM Holland hopeful Zetterberg will start skating next week

Detroit Red Wings v New York Islanders

during their game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on November 16, 2013 in Uniondale, New York.

Al Bello

The Detroit Red Wings just got Pavel Datsyuk back on Friday. Could captain Henrik Zetterberg’s be next?

Zetterberg underwent back surgery and his return isn’t imminent. Still, he might be able to take a big step forward soon.

“I don’t want to overplay this,” Red Wings GM Ken Holland said, per the Detroit News. “We’re hopeful that when we return from our games in Buffalo and Pittsburgh, Hank might be ready, in some form, to begin skating.

“I don’t know if it’ll be all out, or in what form. But we think he could be ready.”

The 33-year-old forward was initially expected to miss at least eight weeks, which the Detroit Free Press noted would set him up for an April 18-19 return. In other words, he won’t be available for Game 1 of the first round -- assuming that the Red Wings hold onto their Wild Card spot -- but he might be able to join them before the opening series is over.

Detroit has dealt with more than its fair share of injuries this season, to the point where only four players on the team have even played in 70 games. The Red Wings’ fortunes seem to be reserving though, making them a potentially dangerous playoff opponent.

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