Alfredsson had his third good skating session in a row today with no setbacks. "I'm going to talk with the coaches and medical staff after practice (Friday) and go from there," Alfredsson said. "A little more intense these last two days, but I feel good and I don't expect anything will change until tomorrow." Alfredsson has missed six games with lower back inflammation. Coach Mike Babcock said a decision on Alfredsson's status will be made after the morning skate.

Alfredsson missed the last six games with back spasms, but will return tonight. He will skate on the third line with Darren Helm and Daniel Cleary. He has recorded 30 points (11G / 19A) in 38 games.

Alfredsson was on the ice with the Red Wings once again this morning, but ruled himself out of tomorrow's meeting with the Blackhawks. It will be the sixth consecutive game that Alfie has missed, but hopefully for the injury ravaged Red Wings he will be available for Friday.

Alfredsson did not play on Saturday night and will be forced to miss tonight's contest vs. the Ducks as well. The Red Wings are off until Thursday, so they are likely taking the safe route with their injury forwards, as Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen and Darren Helm all won't play either.

Alfredsson will not play tonight because of back spasms and his status for Sunday's contest is unknown. Mikael Samuelsson will enter the lineup for Alfredsson.

Alfredsson is a gametime decision. If you need to make a decision, err on the side of caution as he may be a late scratch and the cold may not be a good environment for him to excel in.

Updating his gametime decision status, it appears as if Alfie is good to go for the Winter Classic.

This is a tough break for Alfredsson who know doubt wants to suit up in the Winter Classic against a Leafs team he is so familiar with. Expect an update on Alfie's status tomorrow morning.

Former long-time Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson made an emotional return to Ottawa on Sunday, scoring an empty-net goal and adding an assist in Detroit's 4-2 win. The 40-year old winger is still fantasy relevant as a Red Wing, scoring close to a point-per-game pace with 21 points in 23 games. However, expect that pace to slow down as injuries and the long grind to the season will take it's toll on the future Hall-Of-Famer. Playing for a Stanley Cup contender has rejuvenated his game, and as long as he plays big minutes on the power-play with that "laundry list" of Detroit superstars, he will continue to be a viable fantasy contributor in '13-14. Bryzgalov and Seguin injured: The other big news of the night involved Oiler's goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov who suffered a head injury in the second period against Dallas. He was spectacular in the crease before leaving the game, stopping 28 of 29 shots. Hopefully, the talented Russian does not miss much time as he has looked every bit like a solid fantasy goalie option. In three starts, he owns a 1-1 record with a 2.11 GAA and a .939 SP.. Tyler Seguin, the Star's top forward, missed the game due to experiencing concussion-like symptoms. That would be a huge blow to Seguin owners, if he would be out for an extended period of time. Jamie Benn's fantasy stock would also take a massive hit since the two were clicking on a high level. We will keep you posted.

Former long-time Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson made an emotional return to Ottawa on Sunday, scoring an empty-net goal and adding an assist in Detroit's 4-2 win. The 40-year old winger is still fantasy relevant as a Red Wing, scoring close to a point-per-game pace with 21 points in 23 games. However, expect that pace to slow down as injuries and the long grind to the season will take it's toll on the future Hall-Of-Famer. Playing for a Stanley Cup contender has rejuvenated his game, and as long as he plays big minutes on the power-play with that "laundry list" of Detroit superstars, he will continue to be a viable fantasy contributor in '13-14. Bryzgalov and Seguin injured: The other big news of the night involved Oiler's goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov who suffered a head injury in the second period against Dallas. He was spectacular in the crease before leaving the game, stopping 28 of 29 shots. Hopefully, the talented Russian does not miss much time as he has looked every bit like a solid fantasy goalie option. In three starts, he owns a 1-1 record with a 2.11 GAA and a .939 SP.. Tyler Seguin, the Star's top forward, missed the game due to experiencing concussion-like symptoms. That would be a huge blow to Seguin owners, if he would be out for an extended period of time. Jamie Benn's fantasy stock would also take a massive hit since the two were clicking on a high level. We will keep you posted.