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Zetterberg, Helm, Abdelkader expect to return for Detroit on Saturday

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 dropped two straight games to the Florida Panthers earlier this month, but the good news is that they’ll get some key players back in the lineup when they seek revenge on Saturday. The Detroit News reports that Henrik Zetterberg, Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader could all be back by then.

Zetterberg, 33, has been sidelined since Dec. 1 with a back injury.He has more than a point-per-game this season, with 30 in 28.

A shoulder issue appears to be the latest of a litany of issues for Helm, 26, while Abdelkader, 26, has missed time with what appears to be a concussion thanks to a hit by Deryk Engelland, who received a five-game suspension.

The Red Wings won’t be 100 percent even if those three forwards return, however, as they face issues both small and large to both of their top two goalies, Jonathan Ericsson, Stephen Weiss and Johan Franzen.

Even if some of those players also suit up - most likely Jonas Gustavsson (day-to-day, groin injury) - they’re still a hobbling bunch. They’d probably be close to the top of the list for NHL teams who needed this holiday break the most.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins