Red Wings stars Lidstrom, Datsyuk practice day before Stanley Cup opener against Penguins

Lidstrom, Datsyuk practice with Red Wings

DETROIT — Nicklas Lidstrom and Pavel Datsyuk have practiced the day before the opener of the Stanley Cup finals, an encouraging sign for the Detroit Red Wings.

Lidstrom and Datsyuk were on the ice Friday, but Jonathan Ericsson was not just days following surgery for acute appendicitis.

The defending champion Red Wings are counting on Lidstrom and Datsyuk on Saturday when they face a Penguins team led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Lidstrom is a six-time winner of the Norris Trophy, given to the NHL’s top defenseman. Datsyuk is a finalist for league MVP and best-defensive forward honors.

Lidstrom has missed two games with a lower-body injury. Datsyuk has been out for three with a foot injury.