The Olympic tournament has claimed its first significant injury. Swedish (and Detroit Red Wings captain) Henrik Zetterberg has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. A chronic back issue (herniated disk) has ailed Zetterberg since December but treatment and time off had him performing at an elite level once again as the Olympics approached.
More scrutiny was placed on his teammate Pavel Datsyuk on whether he was truly (physically) fit to represent his nation. Datsyuk’s knee had sidelined him for 14 of 16 games before he headed off to Sochi as the captain of the Russian squad. The pessimistic Red Wing fan would argue that the appearance in Detroit’s final two games before the break was a deliberate and measured attempt to quash some grumblings that Datsyuk should use the three-week hiatus to rest his troublesome appendage.
A decidedly unspectacular 14-minute appearance against Tampa and Florida did little to sway those of us who were paying attention. See, Datsyuk averages around 20 minutes of ice time and is one of the most explosive and dynamic players in the world. With only one fully functional leg, the “Magic man” is quite a few steps in the direction of ordinary. Though he was again declared fit to play for Russia, Datsyuk played in a supplementary role in the opening 5-2 win over Slovenia. One shot on goal and a minus-1 hardly reflects what a healthy Datsyuk can do.
The case of Steven Stamkos is similar in nature, but seems more cut and dry because of the circumstances and severity. A gruesomely broken leg has sidelined the Canadian/Tampa Bay star since November 11. A miraculous recovery had Stamkos penciled in as a member of Team Canada when the rosters were announced. The plan was to play in a game or two before heading off to Sochi, but an evaluation ten days before the break showed that Stamkos wasn’t ready to return.
The big question avoided was “What if Stamkos was declared fit?” His employer has a vested interest in Stamkos’ health for both his country, but also (and possibly more significantly) the team that pays him. Where would Steve Yzerman’s loyalty lie if Stamkos were cleared to participate in a game or two before the Olympics? At only 24 it is conceivable that the window is open for Stamkos to represent Canada in future Olympic tournaments. However, as the franchise player of a team that is headed for the playoffs for the first time in three years, Lightning fans have to feel relieved.
In the three sports that have the most decided international flavor, soccer, basketball and ice hockey there has always been a volatile relationship or perspective between international obligations and commitment to the team that pays the athlete. There are certainly outspoken people on both side of the fence, with merit to their argument as well. The club team does beget the national team because certainly without the success, and possibly financial motivation at the club level, would we have a better picture of who should represent at the national level?
The big picture is that Henrik Zetterberg is on a plane back to Detroit. He will be visiting a doctor that is certainly employed by the team that will continue to make him rich through the 2020-21 season. He has to be crushed that he cannot represent his country, particularly since he is the captain of the team. His teammate, Pavel Datsyuk will continue to labor for Russia, captaining the home team in their own quest for gold.
Ironically, the upper management for the Detroit Red Wings is in Sochi, serving as officers for team Canada. While they certainly wished their employee Zetterberg well as his Olympic dream began, what do his coach Mike Babcock and general manager Ken Holland feel as it ends?