Detroit's Tomas Holmstrom Skates

Media outlets in Detroit are reporting that today Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom made his first appearance on the ice since going down November 20th with a back injury. He was ordered by the team doctors to take the last week off.

According to the Oakland Press' Bruce MacLeod, he participated in stretches and non-contact drills, winding up with 40 minutes of "ice time." He will not play tonight against Anaheim, but hopes to be back as soon as Thursday's matchup with the Canucks. He plans on taking it easy for the next two days as he looks to avoid aggravating the injury.

The Wings have missed Holmstrom in the six games since he went out of the lineup. They've won just three of six, and have had a noticeable lack of net-front presence in each of those games. Johan Franzen and Dan Cleary can fill in somewhat, but neither them approaches the master of that particular art.

It would not be that surprising if Holmstrom does in fact make a return this week. His reputation for being both ornery and tough is well-earned and nothing gets to him more than being on the sidelines.