Update (1:25 PM, 15. Dec): Paul Kukla has this to say:
I am hearing no tear in Ericson’s knee, expected to be out 2-3 weeks.
No idea where exactly Paul’s hearing that, but he’s a trustworthy source. Good news. – Matt
Update (8:19 AM, 15. Dec): Video of the incident:
Via Snipe Snipe, Dangle Dangle. – Matt
Update (8:09 AM, 15. Dec): St. James reports via Holland that he’ll be out at least two weeks. So we’re looking at a sprain unless tests today reveal further damage.
Good news, obviously. And it means no longer term signing or acquisition is coming. Janik or Kindl can be used in the interim. – Matt
Update (10:18 PM): MacLeod has the latest on Twitter:
Babcock said after the game that Ericsson’s knee will be checked tomorrow. “We’re hopeful … It didn’t look very good on tv.”
Babs didn’t address it in the comments FS D showed. – Matt
Update (8:44 PM): Via @mserven, a freeze-frame of the hit. (not fun to see). – Matt
Update (8:28 PM): Had to make a call during intermission so I missed it, but FS D gave an update on Ericsson. @marl0nbran0 has it:
Ericsson’s done for the game. Murphy let out a huge sigh afterwards too. Betcha it’s really, really, REALLY bad news.
Awesome. – Matt
Bad news: Jonathan Ericsson may be the next Wing to go down with a long-term injury. He was involved in a knee-on-knee collision with the Coyotes’ Shane Doan behind the Wings’ goalline and immediately crumpled to the ice. He had to be helped off the ice and didn’t put any weight his left leg.
The collision was intentional, but the knee-on-knee part wasn’t. Doan led with his shoulder and Ericsson got his head up in time to try to avoid it. That put his knee at risk.
It could be a short-term thing, but it doesn’t seem likely given his reaction.
Aaron Ward is on the waiver wire right now, but his history with the Wings may preclude bringing him in. Chelios has said he’d return to Detroit if the Wings had more injuries and could thus give him actual NHL ice time. I’d rather they go that route than the Ward or GR call up one, if necessary.