Jimmy Howard believes that he'll be back sooner from his groin injury than Todd Bertuzzi (R) will be from his groin injury. (Photo by Getty Images)

There was a distinct aura around Jimmy Howard as he talked about his groin injury, which beckoned good news for the Red Wings Friday morning.

“Everything’s feeling back to normal,” said Howard, who was on the ice prior to the team’s morning skate at Joe Louis Arena.
Howard hasn’t played since leaving last Sunday’s game after the first period against Chicago. On Monday, an ultrasound was performed, but tests were negative.

Howard’s rosy optimism Friday was in far contrast from his low-key hopes of a quick recovery when he first suffered the injury.
 “I think we nipped it in the bud pretty quickly there,” Howard said. “We were able to get treatment right away. That’s probably saved us some time.”

The plan is for Howard to go to Nashville with the Wings and participate in Saturday’s morning skate at Bridgestone Arena. If all works out, a return to the lineup could come as early as Tuesday in Los Angeles, Howard said.

“I feel a lot better. It’s getting better every single day,” he said. “Skated yesterday, skated today, took some shots. Hopefully, tomorrow, I’ll share a net. Then practice Monday in L.A.

“We just want to take all the precautions and make sure everything is healed up, with it being so close to playoffs.”

Meanwhile, Todd Bertuzzi practiced Friday morning, but based on how he felt, the veteran forward said he may miss more games after Friday’s home game with the Los Angeles Kings.

“It's still not as strong as I want it to be,” said Bertuzzi, who will miss his second straight game Friday.

Asked if Saturday’s game in Nashville was a possibility, Bertuzzi said, “I don't know. I got to see how it is, still got to do some stuff with the trainers. But if that (skate) was any indication then I need a little bit more (time) than that.”

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