Sports / Sochi 2014 / Hockey

Red Wings’ Henrik Zetterberg undergoes back surgery

It now seems Detroit will be without the 33-year-old centre for most if not all of the playoff stretch run.

Julio Cortez / The Associated Press

Sweden's Henrik Zetterberg underwent back surgery on Friday and will likely miss most of the Red Wings' remaining regular-season games.

DETROIT—Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg had back surgery Friday, and the team expects him to be evaluated again in about eight weeks.

Zetterberg played through pain and scored a goal in Sweden’s opening victory over the Czech Republic last week at the Sochi Olympics, but that was his only appearance before he left because of a herniated disk.

Zetterberg has 16 goals and 32 assists in 45 games for the Red Wings this season. Detroit is fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and it now seems the Red Wings will be without the 33-year-old centre for most if not all of the stretch run.