DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings rely on Darren Helm to be among the team leaders in hits, win more than half of his faceoffs, be a strong penalty-killer and pressure opponents into making mistakes with aggressive forechecking.

If he becomes a better finisher one day that would be a bonus.

Helm certainly creates a lot of scoring chances with his blazing speed. He scored 11 goals in 75 games during his first full NHL season last year, a nice total for a fourth-line center.

“If he can do that every year, that’s a real good year for him,’’ coach Mike Babcock said. “We’re looking for physical play out of him, penalty-killing and energy.’’

Offense is not Helm’s focus so he doesn’t get too frustrated when he doesn’t bury quality chances, like in Friday’s 3-2 preseason win over Chicago. He shot wide on a partial breakaway and hit the goal post on a clear-cut break.

“As long as I’m putting pressure on the D and the forwards -- on the PK, being able to jump for loose pucks that just squeak by the D -- I’m always going to have chances to score,’’ Helm said. “Last year I had quite a bit of chances that I didn’t put in. In the end, they started going in for me. Hopefully that continues this season.’’

Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom believes Helm will become a better finisher.

“With that speed, he’s going to get some chances, whether it’s on the PK or five-on-five,’’ Lidstrom said. “I think it’s just a matter of time, getting used to situations like that, where he gets breakaways.’’

The club’s penalty-killing improved remarkably midway through last season, after Babcock turned to grinders such as Helm, Patrick Eaves and Drew Miller.

“I always played PK growing up,’’ Helm said. “Last year was definitely an experience. Hopefully I grew with that. I take a lot of pride in the penalty-kill, it’s one of the better parts of my game.’’

Helm established himself as a valuable role player in the 2008 playoffs, on a Stanley Cup-winning team. After spending most of the following season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, due to Detroit’s crowded roster, he was called up at the start of the playoffs and led the team with 118 hits in 23 postseason games.

He continued his physical play last season with 188 hits, second on the team to Brad Stuart’s 206.

“Defensively, I want to keep improving, make sure I’m reliable, just play consistently every game,’’ Helm said.

Rafalski, Hudler to play Sunday

Defenseman Brian Rafalski said he had some fluid in his knee drained on Thursday. He practiced Saturday and will make his preseason debut today at home against the New York Rangers (5 p.m., Fox Sports Net Detroit).

“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 partner, Brad Stuart, who is switching from the right to the left side.

“Stewie’s maybe a little more active around the defensive zone,’’ Rafalski said. “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 today, 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,’’ 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.’’

Ritola (inner-ear issues) better

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.’’

Franzen eyes Wednesday

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 today.