Say Goodby to Zetterberg…For Now
Despite Ryan Martin, assistant GM, telling M-live, “It went very, very well” or “The recovery process looks very, very positive.” I’m saying right now, that Henrik Zetterberg will not play for the Red Wings this season…or post-season. Sure, we all wish that Zetterberg could make a triumphant return and put the team on his back, carrying the Red Wings through a 23rd consecutive playoff run, but it’s just not in the cards. The team is saying that Z will be reevaluated in 7-8 weeks. Newsflash, the season ends in 7 weeks. His reevaluation will have to take place, before he even laces up a pair of skates. You cannot sit on the couch for two months, eating cheesy poofs, then go play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
What Surgery Did Zetterberg Have?
Zetterberg underwent a procedure called “discectomy”. The surgeon, Dr. Frank Cammisa, created a small incision and removed a disc fragment that had lodged itself in a nerve. While the surgery was widely reported as “successful” and “positive”, which is great, it doesn’t mean that they won’t proceed cautiously…and they should. If allowed to heal properly, Zetterberg can be the player that has amazed us for years. If managed poorly, it could be the beginning of the end. There is no reason to risk Zetterberg’s long term health or future seasons, for the 2013/14 edition of the Detroit Red Wings.
I’ve been researching recovery stories for the past couple of days. One woman in her 30’s had the same type of procedure, stated that she was able to lift her 10 pound baby after 6 weeks, but not a laundry basket. A male, also in his 30’s, was able to ride his bike after 3 months. The stories are all the same. Sure, these people were quickly able to function in their day to day lives, but there is a marked difference between driving to the grocery store and taking a pounding during an NHL game. Zetterberg may skate in two months, but he won’t be taking much, if any contact.
What Did We Lose?
Through 45 games this season, Zetterberg has 48 points, including 16 goals. He also leads the team with a plus-19 rating. Aside from the stats, the Wings were gutted of their leader. Mike Babcock has exalted Zetterberg as being a much better leader than he is a player. That is the type of leadership that this team can ill-afford to be without. Who is going to fill that vacuum? We better hope that there’s some “win one for the Gipper” spirit in these guys!
BREAKING: Henrik Zetterberg has undergone successful back surgery. The team will re-evaluate his status in 8 weeks.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 21, 2014
Are The Red Wings Doomed?
Yes…and no. As I’ve said before, the silver lining on this injury riddled season is the emergence of some quality talent. Sure, the organization knew they had a talented group of prospects, but now we really know what’s there…a future. With young stars like Nyquist, Tatar, Sheahan, Glendening, and Jurco, that future is bright. Stephen Weiss and Johan Franzen are slated to return to game action for the first game after the Olympic break, on Wednesday. And Datsyuk’s leg didn’t fall off during the Olympic games. These are all things to look to for positives, as well as a healthy Zetterberg in October. Can this year’s club nail down a playoff spot? That’s the million dollar question.
It’s Your Turn…
Will the 2013/14 Red Wings make the playoffs?
Should Zetterberg return this season?
Why did you answer “yes” to question 2?
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