Lidstrom has broken nose, will miss at least three games
DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom has a broken nose after being hit in the face with a puck during an preseason game.
According to the Detroit Free Press, coach Mike Babcock said Wednesday morning that Lidstrom will miss at least the next three games.
Lidstrom
Lidstrom told a Swedish newspaper his eye was swollen shut, and that he needed 25 stitches under the right eyebrow, according to the Free Press.
"He's got a broken nose, but no damage to the cheek or eye, so everything's fine," Babcock told the Free Press. "I mean, he got hit in the head with a puck, and so he's not feeling good today -- he didn't even come to the rink today; he'll be back here tomorrow and then he'll be rolling in no time."
He was helped off the ice Wednesday night in Detroit during an exhibition game against Montreal. X-rays revealed no damage to Lidstrom's right eye.
The 38-year-old Lidstrom hoisted the Stanley Cup for the fourth time with the Red Wings last season. He led all defensemen with 70 points.
Detroit plays a preseason game against Boston on Thursday night in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before returning home to host the Bruins on Friday.
The defending NHL champions open the regular season Oct. 9 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
