Mike Modano says he'll return to Detroit's lineup on Saturday night against Buffalo after being out since Nov. 26 with a wrist injury. "There was a chance [to return against Dallas on Thursday], but ... of all games to come back after such a long layoff, I think the expectations are a little too high for that one," Modano told NHL.com on Tuesday. "[I'll] just start in Buffalo and it's going to be five games in eight days on that trip. So it'll be some crucial games here coming down the stretch." Modano was cut on the right forearm and wrist by Columbus forward R.J. Umberger's skate on Nov. 26, and had surgery the following day.