Hard work pays off

22 year-old Darren Helm only knows one way to play and that's hard. He gives max effort every shift he gets and never backs down from anything. The Winnipeg native played in just 16 games for the Red Wings this season, finishing with one point. While playing for their minor league affiliate in Grand Rapids, Helm notched 37 points in 55 games. Helm isn't known for his goal scoring, his reputation is for speed and finishing his checks.

Since the 2009 playoffs began, Helm has played in all 9 games and notching his first point, a goal, in Sunday's 4-1 win over Anaheim. Again, he played an aggressive game, and he finally got the payoff. He even admits he's not a point scorer.

"Goal scoring isn't a huge part of his game here," Helm said after the game.

He was happy, though, to get rewarded. "It's nice to contribute one in awhile."

His teammates certainly know the value he brings to the ice each and every time he steps on it. Fellow line mate Jiri Hudler, who scored the game winner on Sunday, sung Helm's praises.

"He has tremendous speed and is strong on the puck." He went on to say, "he creates a lot of room for a lot of players because of his speed and strength."

The Wings are known for their experience and talent, but due to injury, they have had to reach down to their Grand Rapids affiliate, the Griffins, to bring up some of the younger players. Jonathan Ericsson got his chance when Andreas Lilja went down with a concussion. The 25 year-old defenseman brings enthusiasm and toughness just like Helm. He's made the most of his chance and continues to be a vital part of this team as the playoffs go on. And on Sunday, 22 year-old Justin Abdelkader got his chance after Tomas Kopecky suffered facial injuries during a fight after Friday's win in Anaheim. The former MSU star picked up his first career playoff point assisting on Johan Franzen's first goal of the game. Abdelkader proceeded to play just shy of nine minutes and finished with nine hits. That's why Coach Mike Babcock put him in the line-up, more toughness and hard work...which paid off for him, too.

Babcock also spoke highly of Helm saying "he's on the body, he plays with pace, he plays hard."

Franzen gave this organization credit for being so deep and talented. He feels that is why they go as far as they do in the playoffs. Captain Nick Lidstrom has seen a lot of players in his career and appreciates the effort that Helm gives.

"Great to see him hanging around the net, no shying away."

Darren Helm is known for a lot of things, and Lidstrom said it best, shying away isn't one of them.