|
Zetterberg's Back Acting up Again |
|
|
|
|
|
The big news around Team Sweden today has nothing to do with Tre Kronor's 4-2 win over the Czech Republic yesterday or the team's preparations for tomorrow's game against Switzerland. Instead, it is about how the injury bug has bitten the team once again, affecting another of the Swedes' key players.
Detroit Red Wings superstar Henrik Zetterberg, who was one of the best players on the ice in the win over the Czechs, missed practice on Thursday. He was also absent from the team photograph taken after the session, remaining at the Olympic village to rest.
Afterwards, Tre Kronor officials confirmed to the Swedish media that Zetterberg is once again suffering significant discomfort from the herniated disc; a setback from the problems that previously forced him out of action for the Red Wings for 11 games in December and two in January.
Zetterberg is officially day-to-day and will be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. He has not yet officially been ruled out for tomorrow's game.
According to team doctor Björn Waldebäck's pronouncements to Aftonbladet and other Swedish media, the decision on Zetterberg's status will not be made until tomorrow. The team will see how he responds to medication and a day of rest.
"It appears to be an old injury," Waldebäck told Aftonbladet. "But we don't really know anything right now. We have to wait until tomorrow and see how he feels then."
Patrik Berglund skated in Zetterberg's place at practice on a line with Alexander Steen and Gabriel Landeskog.
Asked for his response to Zetterberg's injury, Tre Kronor head coach Pär Mårts gave a straightforward answer: "Obviously, it's not good that Zetterberg is injured. That's a big cog (in our wheel) that we want to be healthy."
Added Detroit teammate Niklas Kronwall, "I don't exactly how bad it is but he seldom sits out games, in any case."
Join the Discussion:
»