Red Wings defenceman Quincey returns to Detroit after fracturing cheekbone

VANCOUVER - The Detroit Red Wings have lost defenceman Kyle Quincey for an indefinite period due to a fractured cheekbone.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said Saturday that Quincey flew home to Detroit after he was injured in Friday's game in Edmonton. Quincey was hurt when a shot hit the shaft of his stick and ramped up into his face.

The 27-year-old is expected to require surgery.

Quincey has a goal and an assist to go along with a plus-8 rating in 26 games this season. He has been one of the steadiest players on a Detroit club that has struggled to stay in playoff contention.

"It's disappointing for him," said Detroit coach Mike Babcock. "(Quincey) was starting to skate better and be a more effective player. It's just one of those things on the back end to keep you entertained."

Quincey has averaged 19:11 of ice time, one of the highest totals on the team. He will be replaced in the lineup for Saturday's game in Vancouver by Ian White, who suits up for only the second time in 10 games after being a healthy scratch.

Meanwhile, Canucks winger Zack Kassian is sidelined with a recurring lower-back problem that flared up Friday and bothered him again Saturday.