DETROIT - Defenseman Brendan Smith said he will return to the lineup tonight when the Detroit Red Wings return from a three-day Christmas break to face the Buffalo Sabres at Joe Louis Arena (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit).
Smith has missed 12 games with a sprained right MCL suffered in a collision with Montreal's Phillip Danault on Nov. 26.
"I'm really excited to get back in. It seems like it's been a long time," Smith said. "I just want to help out the boys as best I can and try to get this train moving back in the right direction.