Detroit's Emmerton OK after collision Friday

DETROIT -- Cory Emmerton won't be in the lineup Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena against the visiting Nashville Predators, but Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said it's not a decision based on his health.

Emmerton appeared to be hurt during a collsion at center ice with Boston Bruins defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, who was assessed a kneeing penalty on the play. Emmerton left the ice, but returned to finish the game.

He also participated in an optional morning skate on Saturday morning.

"I don't think it was intentional," Emmerton said of the hit. "It was just trying to make a hit there at center ice and I don't really know what happened, but (we) just kind of collided or whatever. It's more like a stretching of the leg than a direct hit on anything, so I was very fortunate."

Emmerton said there isn't much lingering pain and he could've played Saturday had Babcock called his number to go.

 "I don't think there's anything wrong besides a little bit of stiffness," said Emmerton, who has one goal and one assist in 18 games as the fourth-line center. "I'll take that any day over an injury. I feel fine."

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