The injury bug strikes the Red Wings again; add Chris Osgood to the battered cavalry list.

Chris Osgood, who has been nursing a sore groin for a couple months, apparently could no longer bear it on Saturday in Vancouver. He flew home to have it checked out and it was determined he will need to have sports hernia surgery.

Via The Free Press, who first reported the news: 

Osgood will undergo the procedure at the hands of Dr. William Meyer on Tuesday in Philadelphia.

"If the doctor sees a significant tear, it’ll be closer to eight weeks," general manager Ken Holland said this afternoon. "If not, it’ll be closer to six. We won’t know until the doctor goes in there and sees how bad it is."

Kris Draper missed six weeks earlier this season after having the same procedure. Minor leaguer Joey MacDonald will replace Osgood and back up Jimmy Howard while Ozzy is out. MacDonald played one game this year for the Red Wings and allowed a goal on nine shots. He's also seen time in the NHL with the Maple Leafs, Islanders and Bruins.

Osgood's return should line up with the returns of Brad Stuart (jaw) and Mike Modano (wrist). Danny Cleary (ankle) and Pavel Datsyuk (hand) are expected back sometime next month.