Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock says Valtteri Filppula needs to be a "huge factor" against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Filppula, who is slated for free agency this summer, had one goal and four points in seven first-round games but also had some bad giveaways, particularly on a Game 6 goal by Emerson Etem. Due to the Hawks' great depth, the Red Wings need Filppula to be one of their best players without having to play alongside Henrik Zetterberg.

Valtteri Filppula has only three points in his last 16 games.
Filppula is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent but he is certainly not helping his situation with his lack of scoring. He has seven goals and 15 points in 37 games after a 23 goal, 66 point effort in 2012-13.

Valtteri Filppula will start out Thursday's game at center between Daniel Cleary and Damien Brunner.
The Wings are making the move with the hope of creating more offense and getting something out of Filppula, who has just one goal and one assist in his last 11 outings.

Valtteri Filppula is having a hard time generating points this season.
He has just 14 points in 32 games this season. "Definitely, I feel like I've been playing a lot and getting lots of chances, but it hasn't been going in this year," Filppula said. "Obviously, there are still some games left and we're fighting for a playoff spot. So, hopefully I can do more to help the team." Filppula is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this season and it's believed he's looking for more than $5 million per season. That'll be hard to get if he doesn't at least end the season on a positive note.

Valtteri Filppula netted a power-play goal in Detroit's 4-2 defeat.
Filppula also had a minus-two rating, dropping him to minus-six over his last four games. Detroit's been struggling lately, but even still, Filppula's plus/minus rating is among the worst on the team. He also has taken a step back offensively this season with just 14 points in 30 games.

Valtteri Filppula and the Detroit Red Wings are still talking about a contract extension.
Filppula, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, expressed an interest in staying with Detroit, but an earlier report suggests he's looking fore more than $5 million a season. The Red Wings might bulk at that price, especially when you factor in his struggles this season. He has just 13 points in 29 games in 2013.

Valtteri Filppula can become an unrestricted free agent this summer and according to a report from Mlive.com, the two sides aren't close to a new contract.
Filppula is reportedly seeking more than $5 million a season, which would be a steep price to pay especially given his struggles this season. He has recorded just five goals and 11 points in 20 games. He is currently making $3.5 million and his salary cap hit is $3 million.

Valtteri Filppula netted a power-play goal in his return from a shoulder injury.
It was Filppula's first goal since Feb. 24. He has five goals and 11 points in 20 games, but it wouldn't be surprising if picks up the pace and ends up with about 15 points in Detroit's final 21 contests.

Valtteri Filppula (shoulder) will return to the Detroit Red Wings' lineup on Wednesday.
It will be Filppula's first game since Feb. 24. He has four goals and six assists in 19 contests this season.

Valtteri Filppula (shoulder) is probable for Wednesday's game.
Filppula is still listed as being on the injured reserve list, so nothing is set in stone. He hasn't played since Feb. 24 due to the ailment.

Valtteri Filppula (shoulder) could return to action this week.
Filppula has missed the last seven games with the injury. He has not had a good season as he has only four goals and 10 points in 19 games after a 66 point season in 2011-12. What has been most disconcerting is that he has played 58:10 minutes of power play time and not only does he not have a point, he has not been on the ice for a power play goal.

Amidst the injury troubles he has suffered through, Red Wings' Valtteri Filppula has struggled offensively this season.
The pending unrestricted free agent has scored only four goals and six assists in 19 games, which is a far cry from the pace he set for himself with 66 points last year. There's always time for a rebound, but the anomalous shooting percentage he posted during his career year makes it seem that may be the high-water mark for his career.

Valtteri Filppula (shoulder) took part in Detroit's practice on Friday.
"I feel better," Filppula said. "Now I've skated a few times, and I'm getting there. Still, shooting is the biggest thing. Obviously, there is not contact in practices, so shooting has been the biggest issue. Today, I felt better shooting than yesterday, so hopefully, it keeps going. But still having some issues. Skating feels good." Filppula is tentatively targeting a Wednesday return.

Valtteri Filppula (shoulder) is on the injured reserve list.
Filppula hasn't played since Feb. 24, so he can be activated at any time. That being said, Red Wings coach Mike Babcock previously stated that Filppula isn't likely to return this week.

Coach Mike Babcock doesn't expect to have Valtteri Filppula return from his shoulder injury this week.
That would mean he'll miss three games, including Tuesday's contest against Colorado, on top of the three contests he has sat out already. "I was out there for a little bit, and it didn't feel too bad, but I still feel it, so it's not the best situation. But it's getting better," said Filppula after skating on his own Monday.

Red Wings' forward Valtteri Filppula will miss another game Sunday due to his shoulder injury.
Filppula remains day-to-day with the ailment should this shouldn't be a long-term issue, but his status for the coming week is definitely in doubt. Unless you're completely out of options we recommend you reserve him until further notice,

Valtteri Filppula isn't expected to play Wednesday versus Los Angeles because of a sore left shoulder.
He could be out for Thursday's contest at San Jose as well. Filppula was injured during Sunday's game against Vancouver and he didn't practice on Tuesday.

Valtteri Filppula missed Tuesday's practice due to an undisclosed injury.
Whatever's bothering Filppula, it's apparently not related to his previous knee injury. He's questionable for Wednesday's game.

Valtteri Filppula scored two goals as Detroit downed the Stars by a 4-1 score at Joe Louis Arena.
Filppula enjoyed a career season in 2011-12 and he seems to be picking up where he left off last season. Damien Brunner also registered his third goal of the season in the win while captain Henrik Zetterberg tallied a goal and an assist.

Valtteri Filppula (knee) missed practice on Monday.
Filppula suffered the injury in the middle of November while playing in his native Finland during the lockout. Filppula has played five games and was scoreless in four but had a big three assist night on Friday to give him fantasy value in the early going. It appears that his wonky knee could give him trouble for the rest of the season so be aware if you need to have him active.

Valtteri Filppula left practice early Thursday to rest his ailing knee.
The Detroit forward suffered a sprained right in mid-November while playing in Finland during the lockout. "It's been bothering me for a little bit," said Filppula. "I was expecting to be still feeling it (because) it hasn't been that long (since the injury occurred). Hopefully it goes away soon." A troublesome knee could partially explain why he hasn't recorded a point yet after three games this season. He expects to play Friday against Minnesota though.

Valtteri Filppula is one of the key x-factors for the Detroit Red Wings going into the shortened campaign.
Filppula posted career-highs with 23 goals and 66 points in 81 games last season. The Red Wings need him to stay close to that level in order to have the offensive depth necessary to be successful. He's expected to play on the team's second line at the start of the shortened campaign.

Valtteri Filppula (knee) should be ready for the start of training camp.
Filppula suffered a sprained knee while playing in SM-liiga during the lockout. "It's pretty good," Filppula said. "I feel it a little bit but that's to be expected. I'm confident I'll be good to go when the season starts." He took part in the Detroit Red Wings' informal practice on Thursday.