The Malik Report
St. James: Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi has a long road ‘back’ from injury
by George Malik on 03/22/13 at 11:41 AM ET
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The Red Wings won't have Todd Bertuzzi's services for any of their four West Coast games over the next week, including tonight's game against Anaheim (10 PM EDT, FSD/NHL Network U.S. and Canada/1270 AM), but Bertuzzi is on the road trip, attempting to slowly but surely round back into game shape after receiving four injections on his ailing back. Bertuzzi told the Free Press's Helene St. James that he's somewhat optimistic about returning in a couple of weeks...
"Just have to keep getting better every day, maybe try skating near the end," Bertuzzi said. "I can't afford any setbacks."
Bertuzzi has just seen how easily recovering from a sore back can derail; his right-hand man and understudy, Darren Helm, didn't even make this trip, after suffering a setback just as it appeared he might be days from playing. "If anything," Bertuzzi said, "that's made me more cautious."
Bertuzzi, has had back problems before -- he needed disk surgery in 2006, causing him to miss several games after he was traded to Detroit in the spring of 2007. He joked this stretch has been so frustrating, he has come close to "pulling out all my beautiful hair."
Bertuzzi had two goals and one assist and a plus-3 rating in seven games. He's one of a number of Wings who've been sidelined lengthily by injury: Helm only has played one game; defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo (shoulder) has played two and forward Mikael Samuelsson (groin, finger) has played three.
And St. James posted a video interview with Bertuzzi as well:
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