Alfredsson late scratch for Red Wings

DETROIT -- Daniel Alfredsson was a late scratch Friday night for the Detroit Red Wings because of a groin injury.

The 40-year old took warm-up prior to the game against the Washington Capitals at Joe Louis Arena but was scratched as a precautionary measure. His absence left the Red Wings with 17 skaters.

"I had no idea what was going on there. I came up after warm-up and evidently he had some groin tightness and so [trainer Piet Van Zant] scratched him," coach Mike Babcock said after a 4-3 shootout loss. "Obviously, you'd like to have enough players but it worked out good, our rotation was fine. That wasn't an issue. That had nothing to do with the game."

Earlier Friday, veteran Patrick Eaves and rookie Luke Glendening were assigned to Rockford of the American Hockey League.

Glendening can be recalled on an emergency basis if Alfredsson can't play Saturday against the New York Islanders. Alfredsson's status won't be known until the morning.

Alfredsson, who's been playing right wing on the second line, has three goals and 11 assists in the first 19 games.