Detroit defenseman Jonathan Ericsson fractured his wrist when he was slammed into the boards in the first period of Thursday night's game by Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom.
Backstrom was sent to the penalty box and given a five-minute boarding penalty.
Ericsson has appeared in 51 games with the Red Wings this season, scoring one goal and eight assists.
Also injured in the game was Capitals forward Andre Burakovsky, who broke his hand when he was hit by a puck in the first period.
"He's going to miss a little bit of time,'' coach Barry Trotz said.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.
