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Zetterberg questionable as Red Wings host Rangers

Oct 18, 2008 - 10:08 AM NY Rangers (6-1-0) at Detroit (2-1-1), 7:00 pm EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) -- The Detroit Red Wings pride themselves on an unrivaled depth chart, and a stellar supporting cast surely will be needed with the possible absence of Henrik Zetterberg.

After suffering an injury, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner's status on Saturday is questionable as the Red Wings host the New York Rangers.

Zetterberg sustained a groin injury Wednesday in practice and did not play in Detroit's 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers the following day. He left practice early when he felt some discomfort after taking a shot and also did not participate in a practice skate Thursday morning.

The 28-year-old Swede, who recorded 43 goals and 49 assists in 2007-08, has one tally and three points in three games this season.

If Zetterberg is unable to go, newcomer Marian Hossa will need to step up offensively. The highly coveted free agent, who signed a one-year, $7.45 million contract with the Red Wings over the summer, has notched three assists but no goals in four games this season.

New York failed to maintain its unblemished record on Wednesday, when the Buffalo Sabres cruised to a 3-1 victory. The Rangers were on the cusp of winning their first six games of the regular season for the first time in franchise history, but Henrik Lundqvist yielded two goals by Thomas Vanek and another by Ales Kotalik.

They bounced back to fend off the Toronto Maple Leafs, 1-0, in a shootout on Friday behind goals in the bonus format by Nikolai Zherdev and Fredrik Sjostrom. Stephen Valiquette, who was making his second start of the campaign, made 21 saves en route to his third career shutout.

Aaron Voros and Brandon Dubinsky lead the Rangers with seven points apiece, while defenseman Brian Rafalski has recorded a team-high five for the Red Wings.