Wisniewski back, doesn't skate.

By J.P. Hoornstra on May 7, 2009 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

James Wisniewski was in the Ducks' dressing room this morning, but didn't take part in the morning skate. As expected, he won't suit up for Game 4 against the Red Wings tonight, two nights after a lung contusion knocked him out of Game 3.

Even though he wasn't cleared to play, "it's nice to see a guy, especially when he's been off," teammate Rob Niedermayer said.

Brett Festerling and Brendan Mikkelson are the top candidates to replace Wisniewski in the lineup, but Festerling said after the morning skate (which ended about an hour ago) that Randy Carlyle had not yet notified them who will play tonight.

"I prepare for the game like it's any other game. It'll be exciting if I get in, but if not I know Mikkelson's ready too," he said. "We've been practicing and working out. It's not like we've been sitting around doing nothing. I think we'll be ready. That's part of the reason we're here, to stay ready just in case."

Wisniewski hopes to play in Game 5 Sunday. Of Tomas Holmstrom, who elbowed the defenseman in the face after he was struck by the puck, Wisniewski said that "if it was (Chris Pronger), I'm sure all you media guys would be talking about how dirty the Anaheim Ducks are. Since it's the Detroit Red Wings, I guess it's OK."