Hurricanes-Red Wings Preview 3-24-12

(AP) -- The Detroit Red Wings' recent slump has coincided with a rash of injuries, though their captain is nearing a return.

Nicklas Lidstrom is a game-time decision when Detroit looks to avoid its longest losing streak in 21 years Saturday night against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes.

Detroit (44-25-5) sits one point ahead of Nashville and Chicago for the No. 4 seed and home-ice advantage in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, but it fell to 0-4-2 in its last six games with a 2-1 overtime loss to the New York Rangers on Wednesday.

Henrik Zetterberg scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, who aren't panicking despite losing 11 of 14.

"There are good things we can take with us," Zetterberg said. "There are still a few issues we have, and we have to work and get better."

Detroit hasn't lost seven straight games since Jan. 14-30, 1991, but there's a chance Lidstrom could help prevent that after missing the last 11 games with a deep ankle bruise.

The Wings played Wednesday without Lidstrom, Darren Helm (sprained knee), Johan Franzen (back) and goaltenders Jimmy Howard (groin) and Joey MacDonald (back).

Coach Mike Babcock was coy about which players may return Saturday.

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