Zetterberg Moves to First Line in Franzen’s Absence

The Red Wings get a rare look at Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals tonight as the defending Southeast Division Champions visit Joe Louis Arena.

It will be the first match of many this season where Detroit will be without Johan Franzen, who suffered a torn ACL during Thursday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. To compensate, coach Mike Babcock has shuffled the forward lines.

Henrik Zetterberg will be moved up to the first line, at least temporarily.

“I wouldn’t count on it staying like that,” Babcock said following today’s morning skate.

Valtteri Filppula and Ville Leino will move up to the second line, joining Dan Cleary. Todd Bertuzzi shifts down to the third line along with Jason Williams and the recently-recalled Justin Abdelkader. Kris Draper continues to center the fourth line with Brad May. Kirk Maltby and Patrick Eaves will rotate in and out on that line, with Eaves getting the nod tonight for his Detroit debut.

Game time is 7:00 with television coverage by Fox Sports Detroit.