Wilfredo Ledezma
03-07-2008, 11:06 PM
Per the Detroit News,
Friday, March 7, 2008
McCarty says he's eager to rejoin Wings, 'make my presence known'
John Niyo / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- A few days earlier than expected, Darren McCarty made his return to Joe Louis Arena on Friday morning.
McCarty, a fan favorite in Detroit in his first 11 NHL seasons with the Wings, is nearing the end of a two-week conditioning stint the Wings' minor-league affiliate in Grand Rapids.
But he skipped the Griffins' road game at Milwaukee on Thursday night due to sore ribs, returning instead to Detroit. Friday morning, McCarty was getting treatment for the minor injury at Joe Louis Arena and greeting his former teammates, as well as a few new ones. And while he might yet play one final game for Grand Rapids on Saturday at Lake Erie, he's eager to rejoin the Wings on the ice.
"I'm definitely feeling good, both mentally and physically," said McCarty, 35, who signed a prorated one-year contract with the Wings on Feb. 25. "And I'm ready to get in here and make my presence known."
His conditioning stint is scheduled to end Monday, but it's unclear when he'll make his return to the Wings' lineup.
"You've gotta earn it, just like everybody else," McCarty said. "Like I said before, I'm just here to complement the role (players) and fill a role and help this team win. I've gotta earn my spot, and hopefully I'll get that opportunity."
I assume he will not play on Monday, but he will be practicing at least...
I doubt he will be on the playoff roster...
Friday, March 7, 2008
McCarty says he's eager to rejoin Wings, 'make my presence known'
John Niyo / The Detroit News
DETROIT -- A few days earlier than expected, Darren McCarty made his return to Joe Louis Arena on Friday morning.
McCarty, a fan favorite in Detroit in his first 11 NHL seasons with the Wings, is nearing the end of a two-week conditioning stint the Wings' minor-league affiliate in Grand Rapids.
But he skipped the Griffins' road game at Milwaukee on Thursday night due to sore ribs, returning instead to Detroit. Friday morning, McCarty was getting treatment for the minor injury at Joe Louis Arena and greeting his former teammates, as well as a few new ones. And while he might yet play one final game for Grand Rapids on Saturday at Lake Erie, he's eager to rejoin the Wings on the ice.
"I'm definitely feeling good, both mentally and physically," said McCarty, 35, who signed a prorated one-year contract with the Wings on Feb. 25. "And I'm ready to get in here and make my presence known."
His conditioning stint is scheduled to end Monday, but it's unclear when he'll make his return to the Wings' lineup.
"You've gotta earn it, just like everybody else," McCarty said. "Like I said before, I'm just here to complement the role (players) and fill a role and help this team win. I've gotta earn my spot, and hopefully I'll get that opportunity."
I assume he will not play on Monday, but he will be practicing at least...
I doubt he will be on the playoff roster...