Red Wings Without Vanek

The Detroit Red Wings now expect to be without veteran forward Thomas Vanek for the next 2-to-3 weeks with a lower-body injury, believed to be of the knee variety.  Vanek was hurt earlier this week in the game against the Blue Jackets and the team was quick to announce the timetable for his return, which was refreshing, to say the least.

The 34-year old has only been okay for the Red Wings, offensively, scoring 2 goals and 5 points in the first 12 games of the season, which currently ranks him 258th in hockey pool scoring, but the expectations in Detroit likely had to be tempered somewhat anyways, so it can't come as a terrible surprise.

Nevertheless, it doesn't necessarily help Stacey C.'s team, being without a key forward for a few weeks.  Stacey sees his team in the mix for the money early on this year, currently sitting in 8th spot, only 4 points back of 3rd place.  He'll need the healthy bodies to step up now and keep his team in the mix for the next little while.