With constant speculation surrounding Zetterberg’s condition Thursday afternoon, Friday morning delivered probably the biggest blow to Team Sweden and possibly the Detroit Red Wings as they head down the stretch towards the playoffs.
Henrik Zetterberg’s back is injured yet again, only this time it is significantly worse.
According to team doctors, Henrik Zetterberg can barely move, the pain in his back makes it impossible for him to fly home at this point.
— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) February 14, 2014
Team Doctor Björn Waldebäck, loosely translated by George Malik, told the media that Zetterberg’s NHL season “may also be in danger.”
The prognosis is pretty loose at this point in time, but the fact that an injury as severe as Zetterberg’s herniated disc is developing as severely and as quickly as it is may not be the best development in the aging forward’s career.
Zetterberg, according to Swedish media, is being sent back to Detroit for the time being, and rumors have swirled that he actually might not even be in Sochi at this very moment.
Sweden has formally announced that in Zetterberg’s absence, Niklas Kronwall will be the new team captain, and Daniel Alfredsson will be an alternate.
As the cringe-worthy details develop, we will keep you posted.
Update: 2:50AM 2/14/14
Ken Holland on Henrik Zetterberg: “Hasn’t seen doctor. Going back to DET in day or two to be evaluated. On medication to get swelling down.”
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) February 14, 2014
Ken Holland on Zetterberg (herniated disk): “He’s going to be down for period of time. No time frame until see specialist in Detroit.”
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) February 14, 2014
Ken Holland on Henrik Zetterberg: “He won’t be ready by the time we come out of Olympics.” #RedWings
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) February 14, 2014
Update: 5:00PM 2/14/14 – SlapshotGoal
Zetterberg’s back pain is “20 times worse” than it was before.
