Red Wings D Lidstrom to miss three games

Sep 25, 2008 - 7:45 PM DETROIT (Ticker) -- Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom suffered a broken nose when he was hit in the face by a puck in the third period of Wednesday's exhibition opener against the Montreal Canadiens.

Detroit coach Mike Babcock said on Thursday that the six-time Norris Trophy winner is expected to miss at least three games. The Red Wings have eight more preseason contests before opening defense of their Stanley Cup title against Toronto on October 9.

""He's got a broken nose, but no damage to the cheek or eye, so everything's fine," Babcock said. "I mean, he got hit in the head with a puck, and so he's not feeling good - he didn't even come to the rink (Thursday). He'll be back tomorrow and he'll be rolling in no time."

In a text message to a Swedish newspaper, the 38-year-old Lidstrom said that he received 25 stitches under the right eyebrow and that his eye was swollen shut.

Lidstrom does not wear a visor and Babcock will not force the issue.

"Those are big boys," he said. "They can make those decisions. I'd like to see everyone make their own decision."