DETROIT -- Some injury updates from the Detroit Red Wings practice sessions on Saturday. They visit the Chicago Blackhawks tonight in a preseason game (8 p.m., WGN, NHL Network):



-- Defenseman Brian Rafalski said he had some fluid in his knee drained on Thursday. He practiced Saturday and will make his preseason debut Sunday at home against the New York Rangers.



"There was some fluid in there just from pounding on it,'' Rafalski said. "No structural damage. I've been skating. It wasn't anything major.''



He doesn't expect it will take long to get accustomed to his new defense partner, Brad Stuart, who is switching from the right to the left side.



"We're practicing and played some times together,'' Rafalski said. "Stewie's maybe a little more active around the defensive zone. Maybe Stewie and I will switch sides a little more. With Nick (Lidstrom) and I, it was, 'You stay on your side and I'll stay on mine.' ''



-- Left wing Jiri Hudler (bruised left foot) also will make his preseason debut Sunday, his first game as a Red Wing since June 2009.



"It's been a long time. I don't want to get over-excited,'' Hudler said. "I'm sure there's going to be something going, excitement, a little goose bumps maybe, to have that jersey (on) again.''



He is looking forward to building some chemistry with new linemates Mike Modano and Dan Cleary.



"They got a long way to come as a line, that's understandable, not playing together,'' coach Mike Babcock said. "So it'll be important for them to play in some games.



"You still got to make it happen, but we think it has all the signs of being a good line.''



-- Forward Mattias Ritola practiced Saturday and might be able to play Sunday, after being a late scratch Friday due to dizziness. He punctured his right ear drum three months ago when diving in Sweden and occasionally loses his balance because water collects in the ear.



"I got medication for it, so it's going to drain out,'' Ritola said. "Yesterday after the meeting, I was totally losing my balance, couldn't stand up. It was just a rough time. I feel good today.



"They said it's going to take up to five months (from the time it was punctured) to get it perfect.''



-- Johan Franzen (charley horse) felt good during a lengthy skate and said he will play Wednesday at the Rangers. He hopes to resume contact drills on Sunday.



"I forgot my helmet when I went over there (to City Ice Arena, Saturday's practice rink), so I had to wait, couldn't get in the first practice until 10 minutes in,'' Franzen said. "I felt good. Wednesday, for sure.''





