Fatherhood kept Wings' Helm grounded amid injuries

Four years ago, baby Reece kept Darren Helm from losing his mind as he'd lost his ability to play hockey. Feeling her strong little fingers squeeze his put things in perspective.

Helm is about to become a father to another daughter, one he knows will bring as much joy, even as this one will complement his own good health. Four years after being called the best third-line center in the NHL by Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock, Helm isn't so much a center as a utilitarian racehorse. His speed creates room for linemates, whether he plays wing or center, and opponents enjoying a power play have to bear in mind that penalty killer in the no. 43 sweater may erupt in a breakaway if he gains the puck.

Helm has eight goals and 20 points in 45 games. That's already three more games than he managed to play last season, when he went through a third year of injuries.

"Helm is back to his own self," Niklas Kronwall said. "He's made a big commitment to preparation to be able to do what he needs to do to stay healthy. He's a big impact on our team right now."

Helm gets from point A to point B better than anybody. He's comfortable playing next to Pavel Datsyuk on the wing, or back at center, as Helm has been of late with Teemu Pulkkinen and Stephen Weiss. "Helmer flat-out gives a line legs," coach Mike Babcock said. "I thought he really helped Pulkkinen and Weiss the other night, they created lots. He's a usable guy. We don't play him on the power play, I'm not sure why, but we penalty kill him. He knows how to play."

Helm relishes any role.

"It's a lot easier being on the ice than watching them in the stands and being bag-skated afterwards," he said. "I'm just happy to be healthy and playing every night. Hopefully I can help this team win games and another championship. I'm getting closer to where I want to be, but I'm never going to be satisfied."

Off-ice, there's deep satisfaction. Helm, who turns 28 next week, has three-year-old Reece to keep him grounded, much as she did when injuries first cascaded in the spring of 2012. "She was the only part that kept me sane during my time off," Helm said. "She kept me happy most days coming home from the rink when I was pretty miserable. I'm sure the second one is just as great."

Daughter number two is due March 31 (she'd share a birthday with Gordie Howe). Do girls rule? "That's what girls say," Helm said, smiling.

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.