Red Wings’ Bertuzzi practices, hopes to play in Game 2

 

DETROIT (AP) -Todd Bertuzzi skated in practice with the Detroit Red Wings on Friday and hopes to play in Game 2 of their first-round series against Calgary.
Bertuzzi didn’t play in Thursday’s Game 1, which Detroit won 4-1, or in the regular season finale because of a concussion and a neck injury.
“He’s been cleared medically,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “Now, he has to get cleared by our therapy people as far as being ready to play.
“If he’s ready to go, he’ll be in.”
Both teams will have another day to practice before playing Sunday in Game 2 of the best-of-seven series.
Bertuzzi skated briefly on his own Thursday and took part in an optional practice Friday.
“It felt pretty good,” he said. “We’ll see how it feels tomorrow after another hard skate.”
Detroit acquired the 6-foot-3, 242-pound forward from Florida on Feb. 27 – just before the NHL’s trading deadline – and he missed 10 games recovering from back surgery, then played in eight.
He played just 15 regular-season games for the Panthers and Red Wings, but said he’s in good enough shape to contribute in the playoffs.
“I’m fit enough. I don’t think that’s an issue,” said Bertuzzi, who has 554 points in the regular season and playoffs over his 11-season career. “It’s been an up-and-down year for sure.
“But I’m happy that my health is better, and it was nice to see the guys get a huge win.”