Darren Helm finally is figuring things out, not the least thanks to having a dynamo like Kris Draper as a linemate and as a lockermate in the Red Wings' locker room.
The Wings take a three-game winning streak into tonight's game against Dallas at Joe Louis Arena, thanks in part to their effective third line, which features an improved Helm at the pivot. After a slow start, Helm is looking more like the player the Wings have thought highly of since his outstanding performance in the 2008 playoffs, and he's figuring out how to harness that energy to last through the grind of the season.
"That's probably been my biggest problem even in juniors and when I was in Grand Rapids, just being able to find that level where you have to play at without killing yourself," Helm said Tuesday. "I'm starting to get it -- how I have to work off ice and on ice to play pretty consistently and with intensity, but not running around trying to do everything I did in the playoffs."
To that end, it helps to sit next to Draper, who at 38 is 16 years older than Helm. Also, it's entertaining.
"He talks a lot, that's for sure," Helm said of Draper, laughing. "But just watching him, the little things he does, the off-ice training -- he's an intense guy and he practices 100% every day, and sometimes in practice I get laid back, whereas he's always going. He's been doing it for a long time, so if I can learn from that, hopefully I can have a career like he has."
Three weeks ago, coach Mike Babcock sent a message by making Helm a healthy scratch. Helm responded with a goal, an assist and a hit the following game, and he has continued to excel at finishing checks and delivering hits -- despite two weeks ago aggravating a clavicle injury sustained in training camp.
"Helmer came in and probably thought he was going to pick up right from where he left off in the playoffs," Draper said. "It's different in the regular season. I think now he's back to playing exactly how we all knew he could play. He just wanted to contribute right off the hop, and sometimes when you're young it doesn't go that way and you get a little frustrated.
"He's a great kid and fun to play with, and he's getting more confident, and that's something we just keep talking about. I just tell him, whatever you need, I'm here."
Contact HELENE ST. JAMES: 313-222-2295 or hstjames@freepress.com.
