From NHL.com:

Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock announced after Friday morning’s skate that defenseman Brian Rafalski, who finished tied for fourth on the team in scoring with 59 points, will miss Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against theDuckswith an upper-body injury.

Rafalski did not practice with the team Thursday, at which time Babcock told the media that he simply gave the 35-year-old a day off. But when Rafalski missed Friday morning’s skate, Babcock admitted that the club’s No. 2 defenseman will not play. According to Babcock, Rafalski’s status is day-to-day.

With Rafalski out of the lineup, captainNicklas Lidstromwill be paired withJonathan Ericsson.Niklas Kronwallwill skate alongsideBrad StuartandBrett Lebdawill be partnered with 47-year-oldChris Chelios, who will make his 2009 postseason debut.