Red Wings center Keith Primeau, who had to leave Saturday night’s Stanley Cup finals opener with back spasms, hopes to be back in the lineup for Game 2 Tuesday night.
But coach Scotty Bowman was more cautiously optimistic. “He’s got a lot of tolerance for pain,” said Bowman. “They didn’t give him a definite no.”
Back injuries can be prolonged, but you also can recover in a hurry, too.”
“I’m optimistic,” said Primeau,
who took treatment instead of skating Sunday. “I expect to be in the lineup for Game 2. Right now I feel better than I did this morning.”
Primeau skated off the ice Saturday night after taking a hit from New Jersey Devils defenseman Scott Stevens, but “I was already injured at that time,” he said Sunday. “I just beared down for a faceoff and wrenched my back.”
Vernon update: The Wings think they are getting closer to signing goaltender Mike Vernon, who will become an unrestricted free agent if he doesn’t sign by July 4.
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The Wings have given Vernon three choices–a two-year contract for $5 million, three years for $6.6 million or four years for $8 million. Vernon likes the idea of four years, but wants $8.8 million.
“We feel we’re making some progress,” said assistant General Manager Ken Holland. “We’re still working at it.”
Bowman on hold: The Wings have asked Bowman to return as coach and personnel director next year, but “I think those decisions are better made during the off-season when you have a chance to sit back,” Bowman said. Bowman is trying to become the first coach ever to win Stanley Cups for three different franchises.
Bowman reportedly has been offered a one-year contract with an option worth $1 million annually.
Road kings: The Devils set a record with their ninth road victory of the playoff season. They were the first team ever to win eight road games before the finals.
Good omen?: The Red Wings hope having Mark Howe in the lineup is a good omen for the Cup finals.
In winning seven NHL championships, the Wings always have had a Howe on the team. The 1936, 1937 and 1943 teams had S;yd Howe. Gordie Howe, no relation, played for championship teams in 1950, 1952, 1954 and 1955.