Tomas-Jurco-Canadiens

The Red Wings' Tomas Jurco is searching for his first goal this season.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT - Tomas Jurco will return to the lineup when the Detroit Red Wings, coming off a four-day break, host the Chicago Blackhawks Friday at Joe Louis Arena (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit).

Chances are he'll be skating on a line with Pavel Datsyuk. But Datsyuk, who's missed two games with a sore groin, said his status will be determined after the morning skate.

Jurco has been a healthy scratch the past three games.

"Good young player, works hard, competes hard," Babcock said. "Whether he plays on a line with Pavel or whether I change things around depending on whether Pavel plays I just expect (Jurco) to play hard. When he gets a scoring chance relax, bear down. As long as he gets scoring chances and is working hard and good defensively, everything is positive."

Jurco has no goals and two assists in 12 games.

"I have to stay ready and work at it. I know it's eventually going to come," Jurco said. "It's a good chance for me to get it going.

"Pavel is always one of the best players in the world; it's always good to play with him. This league is hard. Obviously, it's going to help me and I'm looking forward to it and hopefully it helps get me going."

Stephen Weiss, who injured his groin two weeks ago, remains out. He has been skating for several days,

"He's out there working and obviously it's a huge decision when he decides to come in," Babcock said. "He can't afford to get himself hurt again."

Here are the lines they skated with today:

Gustav Nyquist-Henrik Zetterberg-Johan Franzen

Justin Abdelkader-Pavel Datsyuk-Tomas Jurco

Tomas Tatar-Riley Sheahan-Darren Helm

Drew Miller-Luke Glendening-Joakim Andersson

Daniel Cleary, Andrej Nestrasil and Stephen Weiss (groin, IR) were in gray jerseys usually worn by players who'll be scratched the next game.

On defense:

Jonathan Ericsson-Niklas Kronwall

Kyle Quincey-Danny DeKeyser

Brendan Smith-Jakub Kindl

Brian Lashoff

In goal:

Jimmy Howard (starting Friday)

Tom McCollum (backing up Friday)

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