On a team so focused on the playoffs, ensuring a manageable level of post-season health is the primary thing. The Wings don’t want to aggravate his back to the point where he’d have to sit out in April, May, or June. I’m sure we’ll see him sitting out more than just the All Star Game so that he gets some necessary rest.
He can play through the pain, but at this point, he does not have to. It’s premature to think his career will be shortened because of this. After all, the Captain dealt with knee issues for years and his career wasn’t shortened a day because of it.
What is for certain is Hank will have to deal with this however long he plays. For now, we should just assume the team is being cautious, rather than overreact by thinking this is an issue on par with Peter Forsberg’s ankle and foot problems.
I’ll say it again: The fact that this latest aggravation began because of a hit on Saturday seems to me to be another argument for keeping Aaron Downey in the lineup, even at the expense of young Tomas Kopecky. I would include Dallas Drake as an optional player, but HockeyTownTodd has pointed out that he brings too much to the defensive table and helps relieve the penalty kill load for the forwards.
That leaves Kopecky as about the only “expendable” forward.
As far as I’m concerned, Downey should be in the lineup every game Zetterberg is. Why? If Downey’s presence causes the opposition to ease up even a little bit, Hank will be better off. Every little bit will help.
The above is me trying to be optimistic. My pessimistic side, however, sees some sense in IwoCPO’s suggestion:
Sure, go ahead and sit him and he won’t aggravate it playing hockey. But, while you’re at it, immobilize him completely. Put one of Hasek’s straight jackets on him, put him in John Travolta’s plastic bubble (oh…look out. You don’t remember the “Boy In the Plastic Bubble”? Classic.) Seal him up until the playoffs. No movement whatsoever.
When you read that he hurt his back last month “while picking up his laundry bag,” (my emphasis) you get a little concerned. Does he do his laundry once a month, or what? I know those things can get heavy, but if you do it regularly…
By the way, no GameDay post today. I apologize. Tomorrow should be a different story.
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