Red Wings’ Lidstrom is expected to play

The Detroit Red Wings expect star defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom to play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland said Thursday he’s encouraged by how Lidstrom’s lower-body injury has recovered after he was forced to sit out two games.

Holland said the team won’t know until Saturday, when the series starts, if most-valuable-player finalist Pavel Datsyuk (foot) and Jonathan Ericsson (acute appendicitis) will be available.

Kris Draper (lower-body injury) is doubtful for Game 1, but Holland expects him to play later in the series.

Etc.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Simon Gagne has had surgery to remove a bone spur and scar tissue that built up in his right hip.