Zetterberg not expected to start in first round.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Mlive

Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said he doesn't expect forward Henrik Zetterberg to be available for the start of the first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Coyotes.

“I don't expect him to start the series,'' Babcock said following the 4-3 win over the Blackhawks. "But he's really pushing things, he's working hard and he'll be ready to go as soon as he can.

"I think (Niklas) Kronwall will start the series.''

[Nevermind 363]

That's unfortunate. Especially with how Zetterberg's always so dominant in the playoffs.

But, if we play like we did today, we should be able to hang in there until he comes back.

[Guest mjtm77]

based on the title I thought he would be out all of the first round but here it just says he wont be avialble for the start

[stuck in socal 56]

This is not good. Basically expect him to miss the entire first round.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

based on the title I thought he would be out all of the first round but here it just says he wont be avialble for the start

Title's not misleading, says he won't start. I thought the same thing when I read the mlive article tho.

Edit: I wouldn't be surprised if he's out all of the 1st round.

Edited April 10, 2011 by CaliWingsNut

[Dimaline312000 51]

Major bummer I was hoping he would be ready for the playoffs. Hope he can get back ASAP.

[stuck in socal 56]

It sounds like he has a minor tear. If he does play this playoffs. he is playing injured. But still his presence is a good thing to have!

[Guest L3T5G0W1NG5]

Define "start" of a series? So stupid. Is it 1 game, 2 games, 3 games?

[Guest Crymson]

This is not good. Basically expect him to miss the entire first round.

Why are you assuming the worst with no evidence whatsoever to back it up?

[stuck in socal 56]

Why are you assuming the worst with no evidence whatsoever to back it up?

Think back when Datsyuk was injured in the SCF. They kept saying he was making progress etc, but it took him until game 5 to come back. The Red Wings tend to be very vague with their injuries, and I could see Z being out the entire series. I think it depends on how the series goes, if the series is going to be short and sweet for the Wings, I think they will rest Z until the next round. However, if it goes the distance of 7 games, I think you will see Z make an appearance.

[Guest mjtm77]

Think back when Datsyuk was injured in the SCF. They kept saying he was making progress etc, but it took him until game 5 to come back. The Red Wings tend to be very vague with their injuries, and I could see Z being out the entire series. I think it depends on how the series goes, if the series is going to be short and sweet for the Wings, I think they will rest Z until the next round. However, if it goes the distance of 7 games, I think you will see Z make an appearance.

I can see him comming back if we need him. but if not then rest him so we have a heathly zetterberg I would say we see him in game 1, 2 or 3 in the second round.

[nate94gt 134]

that sucks.

[under_par_00 45]

He should be out the entire first round unless the Wings go down in the series. This is definitely an ACL/MCL tear/sprain the way his knee bent. When he does come back, he will be playing injured for the rest of the playoffs. This is not a good injury to force yourself to play with, you are risking further damage. Example: Milan Michalek and Andrei Markov.

[Bradster1984 0]

This sucks. We really need the Mule to step up more than ever!

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Guys, we're playing against the Coyotes.

They are so much less talented than us, that if we can't beat them without Zetterberg, we don't deserve to win the series.

This series won't be about two teams with firepower trying to outdo each other. It'll come down to goaltending and defense. Ours better be up for the challenge.

Also, we can't s*** the bed at home like we did last year against Phoenix.

[under_par_00 45]

Guys, we're playing against the Coyotes.

They are so much less talented than us, that if we can't beat them without Zetterberg, we don't deserve to win the series.

This series won't be about two teams with firepower trying to outdo each other. It'll come down to goaltending and defense. Ours better be up for the challenge.

Also, we can't s*** the bed at home like we did last year against Phoenix.

Yes, but do we need him 100% against the Sharks, Canucks, Preds, etc the list goes on??

[Mabuhay Red Wings 177]

It sucks that Zetterberg is out but if you wanted to focus on a small upside then at least, in theory, every player should feel a little more "needed" and thus have more urgency to their game. The biggest problem with this team seems to be urgency, desperation, will, determination, etc. Sometimes it seems like some of the guys only respond when they're desperately needed. With Z out, they have another reason to just play hard. But again, only a small upside. I'd rather have Zetterberg in the lineup.

Yes, but do we need him 100% against the Sharks, Canucks, Preds, etc the list goes on??

Of course they'll need him but I'd rather worry about beating the Yotes first.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Yes, but do we need him 100% against the Sharks, Canucks, Preds, etc the list goes on??

Yes, against the Sharks and Canucks, because those teams are loaded with star forwards as well. No against the Preds. They are similar to Phoenix in terms of talent. They don't win because of great scoring and skill. They do it on defense and Rinne.

Of course it'd be great to have him for all the series, but in terms of who's better on paper, we are still much better than Phoenix.

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

Hank was the Wings' best player last year against the Yotes. But I agree with GMR, the Wings are still a much better team and should be able to win without him, be that for just one or two games or all of them.