Brian Rafalski, Pavel Datsyuk injured

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The Detroit Red Wings received some good news on the injury front Friday.

General manager Ken Holland said that defenseman Brian Rafalski (knee) is expected to play Saturday night against the Nashville Predators, while forward Pavel Datsyuk (lower-body injury) is "day to day."

Both players left in the third period of Thursday night's 2-0 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Rafalski was playing in just his second game since returning to the lineup after missing time with back spasms.

Heading into Friday night's action, Detroit (43-20-8) was second overall in the Western Conference and held a comfortable 10-point lead in the Central Division.

Scott Burnside covers the NHL for ESPN.com.

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Scott Burnside

NHL

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• Hockey writer for ESPN.com
• 10 years at Toronto Sun, Windsor Star and National Post
• Wrote best-selling true crime book "Deadly Innocence"