Todd Bertuzzi is on the verge of playing again. "Bert is close," general manager Ken Holland told the Detroit Free Press Tuesday afternoon. "Decide after the morning skate." Bertuzzi last played Feb. 7 at St. Louis, where he left in so much pain he was hospitalized for three days upon returning to Detroit. Bertuzzi had to overcome both back problems and nerve pain in his right leg. He has been skating for nearly a month. If Bertuzzi doesn't play Wednesday night when the Wings host the Los Angeles Kings at Joe Louis Arena, the next opportunity comes Thursday against the Predators. The Wings, who are chasing a playoff spot in the Western Conference, finish the regular season Saturday at Dallas.