Detroit Red Wings Season Preview: 5 Key Players Who Must Step Up

Henrik Zetterberg

Oct 3, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg (40) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Detroit 5-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Wings lost captain Henrik Zetterberg for the second half of the 2013-14 season after aggravating an old back injury during the Olympics.  Apparently the injury is something he had been struggling with over the last three seasons and became unbearable while chasing the gold medal.

But that was last year.

All indications are that Zetterberg’s back is healthy, strong and pain-free something he probably hasn’t experienced in a few seasons.  Hopefully playing pain-free will enhance the already substantial skill of the Detroit Red Wings captain.  They will need to him to return to the goal scoring threat he was in seasons past.