It looks like Valtteri Filppula (jammed thumb) is a definite for tonight's preseason game against Boston at Joe Louis Arena. Team Howe is practicing with 12 forwards, including Fil. He did some one-time drills on his own before practice. Shooting was the one thing he hadn't been doing in previous practices.

Also, defenseman Jakub Kindl might make his return

Here's the lines they're working with ...

Holmstrom-Datsyuk-Hossa
Leino-Filppula-Mursak
Kopecky-Draper-Maltby
Oulahen-Abdelkader-Downey

Quincey-Rafalski
Meech-Lebda
Kindl-Chelios
Atherton

Conklin
Howard

A few quick thoughts on the lineup ...

YOu can divide the Red Wings in half and you've still got a pretty good NHL lineup going tonight. Remarkable depth of talent on this team.

-- Note that Nicklas Lidstrom (broken nose) isn't on the ice and won't be playing with his unit (Howe) tonight.

-- Mursak was singled out by Mike Babcock after Wednesday's game as one prospect who looked good up front. I would take putting him on a line with the two Finns, Filppula and Leino, as a good opportunity for Mursak earned by a good outing.