The Detroit Red Wings will have a familiar face back when they try to make it three wins in four games tonight against the Buffalo Sabres (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit).
Defenseman Brendan Smith (right MCL) skated during practice this morning and said afterward he'll return to the lineup.
He has missed 12 games since being injured in late November.
"I'm excited to get back," Smith said. "It seems like it's been a long time, and I just want to get back as fast as I can get this train (Red Wings' playoff chances) moving back in the right direction.