Sweden’s men’s hockey team was dealt a crippling blow early this morning as it was reported that Henrik Zetterberg will miss the remainder of the Olympics due to a herniated disk.
Zetterberg apparently aggravated a lingering back injury at some point during Tuesday's game against the Czech Republic. He went on to play in over eighteen minutes of ice-time game including just over five minutes of third period ice-time in the Swedes opener appearing no worse for wear. His second period goal wound up being the game winner as Sweden doubled up on the Czech's 4-2.
This is terrible news for the Swedes who were already without the services of Johan Franzen and Henrik Sedin coming into this tournament. Losing their captain in Zetterberg assuredly hampers their likelihood of capturing the gold medal at these Winter Games.
At this point, Zetterberg is in so much discomfort that he is unable to travel back to Detroit for treatment. The team will continue to monitor his situation over the next few days, the plan being to get him back to America for further treatment with hopes of a return to the Red Wings line-up for their playoff push heading into March.
Sweden next takes to the ice later today against Switzerland.
