Dan Cleary and the boys skated here in St. Louis for the team's first morning skate of the season. (Photo by Bill Roose/Detroit Red Wings)

Zetterberg

.
“Everything will move faster, a smaller rink and a little more physical. But he is smart enough…it’s not like I’m worried how he will do. He is smart and will do the adjustment quick.”
– Zetterberg on Damien Brunner

Howard

.
“It's going to be a lot of fun tonight. I'm looking forward to watching him. What a great way to break through in the NHL, playing on a line with Pav and Z.”
– Jimmy Howard on Brunner

Brunner

.
“It's definitely fun to have the opportunity to play with a guy like (Datsyuk). Just try to get open out there and I'm pretty sure he will find me.”
– Damien Brunner

Babcock

.
“Bert’s got mono and when we talked yesterday we knew something was wrong...so he’ll miss a chunk of time.”
– Mike Babcock

Helm

.
“He’s got mono? Uh oh! I’m lucky I wasn’t kissing him…Hopefully he can fight off that virus or whatever it is quick and get back out here.”
– Darren Helm on Bertuzzi

Babcock

.
“Mursak’s in, Eaves is out (tonight). One guy hasn’t played hockey in a year…(Mursak) just went to Austria, he played great. He thinks like he’s a player in this league...here it is. Grab onto it. Hold on tight.”
– Mike Babcock

Helm

.
“I glided for a good half-hour, pushed off strongly a few times. It felt good, though. It didn't hurt at all skating…I think today was a good day.”
– Darren Helm on his back injury