Henrik Zetterberg, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the top player in the postseason when the Detroit Red Wings hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2008, is calling it a career because of a degenerative back problem.
Zetterberg powered through playing all 82 games for a third straight season, but as the clock ticked on the last game of 2017-18, Zetterberg paused.
"Obviously, it is emotional," Zetterberg, 37, said Friday in Traverse City, Mich. "It's been 15 years here. Even though I knew I was on my last couple years, I wish that I could have played a little bit longer."
The skillful Swedish forward is a member of a select group of players who have won a Stanley Cup, world championship and Olympic gold. Zetterberg was perhaps in his prime when Detroit won its 11th and last Stanley Cup a little more than a decade ago.
He had 27 points in the Cup-winning postseason and was dominant with his two-way play. Zetterberg's biggest contribution during the series against Pittsburgh was when he locked down then-rookie Sidney Crosby's stick at the side of the net to prevent him from scoring during the Penguins' critical 5-on-3 power play to help the Red Wings win Game 4.
Caps cleared in Orpik case
The NHL questioned the Washington Capitals about re-signing defenseman Brooks Orpik after trading him to Colorado and cleared the Stanley Cup champions of any wrongdoing. General Manager Brian MacLellan said the league questioned the Capitals for trading the Orpik, 37, and then bringing him back at a cheaper salary after the Avalanche bought him out. MacLellan said the Capitals were above board in everything they did and would face no consequences.
"We did everything above board and we answered the questions honestly," MacLellan said. "I think we're good."
Crawford still 'not ready'
Goaltender Corey Crawford skated with the Blackhawks on Friday and delivered a positive update on his recovery from a concussion that sidelined him for most of last season.
