NHL FanHouse

Is This the Year Tragedy Hits the NHL?

Christopher Botta — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

There once was a time when an NHL season could be recalled by one major, frightening on-ice incident. Now it seems there is one a week. The new scenes are etched in a hockey fan's mind like a movie buff citing favorite acts of violence directed by Coppola, Scorcese or Tarantino.

Derek Dorsett of the Blue Jackets falls to his knees after having his head slammed into the glass on a hit from behind last Thursday by Dallas forward James Neal. Dorsett attempts to collect himself but then crumbles to the ice, concussed, looking like he'd been shot.

Caught looking the wrong way, David Booth of the Panthers is obliterated with a shoulder check from Philadelphia's Mike Richards on Oct. 25. If the hit hasn't done enough damage, Booth's head slams to the ice and he lay motionless for several seconds.

There are plenty more. Vancouver defenseman Willie Mitchell, just exiting the penalty box, rocks Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews at center ice with a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on Oct. 21. While reaching for the puck, Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo is crushed in the neutral zone by Calgary's Dion Phaneuf. Okposo is taken off the ice on a stretcher. This one's in an exhibition game on Sept. 17, during the first week of training camp.

In recent seasons, the NHL's marketing arm created variations on the theme, "Is this the Year...?" Now I can't help but wonder:

Is this the year the NHL sees a tragedy on the ice?

As I deliberated, at times agonized over writing this, I spoke face-to-face with more than two-dozen NHL players in the month since the David Booth incident. (Booth remains out with a concussion, with very little improvement in his symptons.) This is a very touchy subject in a league of Tough Guys, so anonymity was requested and granted. There was, however, unanimity in their thoughts. A summary:

* The players recognize that the quantity and severity of incidents have increased this season.

* More than ever, the importance of skating at all times with your head up is crucial. But as one player said, "There are always going to be brief moments, even with the most skilled players, when you have your head on the puck or looking the wrong way. When the league or the broadcasters or anyone else blames an injury on the injured guy for putting himself in a vulnerable position, they're usually being unrealistic."

* Although their equipment prevents injuries, certain pads -- especially the shoulder pads -- are causing more damage when used by the checker.

* The escalation in serious incidents has not been discussed in conference calls within the NHL Players Association. "Unfortunately, there are other issues there," said a member, alluding to dissension in the ranks and lack of an executive director.

* Because the players are bigger and stronger than ever, they have to show more respect for one another.

"I just think most of us look at it like hockey has always been a tough game, and we knew that when we chased the NHL dream."
-- Anonymous Player on the Game's Physicality That last one has fallen on deaf ears for a generation. "Trouble is," said a veteran of 12 NHL seasons, "I've been hearing that since I came into the league. Even after a situation like the lockout, where you'd think we would be bonded together, the lack of respect has only become worse."

Since the players cannot police themselves -- unrealistic in a game of so much physicality and emotion -- the responsibility falls to the league. On Nov. 11, it was announced that the NHL's general managers were forming a committee to "take a closer a look" at the epidemic of hits to the head. A rule change could come in the future.

But there's a big problem with that. While there needs to be process, hundreds of NHL games are going to be played before the committee begins to make its recommendations at the next general managers meetings in March. The league has acknowledged there is a serious problem, but nothing will be done until the start of next season -- at the earliest and if change comes at all.

Until then, NHL games are the Wild, Wild West.

Besides the controversial increase in hits to the head, hockey features frontier justice. The trouble is, "heavyweights" are a lot bigger and pumped up than they used to be. The tired defense that "no one gets hurt in a hockey fight" got old a long time ago.

I just happened to stumble upon a Vancouver-Calgary game on the Center Ice package Oct. 16 and this fight stuck with me although there has been little chatter about it. While another scrap took place in the second period, the Flames' Brian McGrattan and Canucks' Darcy Hordichuk squared off. As always, the 6-1, 215-pound Hordichuk was willing and able, but the 6-4, 235-pound McGrattan had a clear size and strength advantage. After they battled evenly for about 20 seconds, McGrattan shook off his right elbow pad, pumped a fist and landed a huge blow squarely on the jaw. Hordichuk's lights clearly go out upon contact.

Incredibly, Hordichuk was not injured, but you cannot help but wonder reviewing the tape how others may have responded to the force of McGrattan's punch.

The NHL is in an unenviable spot here, maybe an impossible one. At its best, hockey is an exhilarating game -- the best spectator sport on earth. No one is advocating for the elimination of hitting, few for the abolishment of fighting in the NHL. But there is no debating that it's getting very dangerous out there.

"It's nothing we sit around in the locker room discussing," a highly-respected alternate captain from the Southeast Division told me last week. "But there have been a few times this season when we'll be in the room after practice with the NHL Network on, and the latest big hit is replayed and analyzed. You never want to see what happened to a good guy like Booth. We're concerned. I just think most of us look at it like hockey has always been a tough game, and we knew that when we chased the NHL dream."

Let's hope the dream never ends tragically.

Is This the Year Tragedy Hits the NHL? originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Georges Laraque Suspended Five Games After Kneeing Incident

Bruce Ciskie — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST

Filed under: Canadiens, Red Wings, NHL Injuries, NHL Videos, NHL Discipline

While the NHL still tries to figure out a way to handle hits to the head, they are also trying to curb other dangerous hits plaguing the game.

Saturday night, we saw this kind of hit in Montreal. Georges Laraque took out the knee of Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall. Despite pleading innocence and claiming it was an accident, Laraque was suspended five games on Monday.

Here's a look at the video.

If that's an accident, Wayne Gretzky was a goon. Laraque stuck his leg out and deliberately hit Kronwall's knee.

Despite all the (justified) talk about hits to the head, these types of hits are just as dangerous. They're also equally disrespectful, and they have no place in the sport.

If you can't hit a guy clean, don't hit him. There is no need to try to take someone's knee out because you're either unable or unwilling to line him up and hit him properly.

Kronwall has an MCL injury and is expected to miss at least a month.

Georges Laraque Suspended Five Games After Kneeing Incident originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reflections on the Rash of Injuries

Susan Slusser — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Predators, Sharks, NHL Injuries

SAN JOSE -- As many as one in five NHL players is injured, according to widely repeated estimates, but the athletes themselves would like to see how that breaks down, exactly. It's the names of the players who are out, rather than the body count, that is creating headlines, some say.

"Everyone usually has two or three guys out," Sharks center Joe Thornton said. "That's not unusual. I just kind of pay attention to who's out on our team, and we've got Rob Blake out, an All-Star, and Devin Setoguchi and Joe Pavelski were out. Teams just learn to adjust."

"It seems to be a lot of the top guys who are out," Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle said, referencing injured players like Alexander Ovechkin (pictured) and Evgeni Malkin. "It's not good for anyone to have those guys out, because people are paying a lot of money to come to the games and they want to see those guys play, but it's just a fluke. I don't think there's anything else to it."

Predators coach Barry Trotz believes that there are more big-name players going down because in the modern NHL, there aren't any games in which stars can afford to take a breather -- they have to play big minutes regularly, and more ice time means a greater possibility of injury.

Plus, Trotz said, "Guys are shooting the puck harder and more guys are comfortable shot-blocking than ever before, there's no hooking, holding, guys are bigger, faster, stronger -- and bones aren't bigger. There used to be one guy who shot like Bobby Hull -- now there are 300."

"I think we've created this ourselves. The game is faster, there's far less obstruction, which is great, and guys are bigger and faster. ... But now we may have to look at changing the rules to protect players. Guys are getting hit a lot harder than they ever have."
-- Steve Sullivan on Big Injuries in the NHL San Jose coach Todd McLellan also cited players' greater willingness to get into shooting lanes as one reason injuries might be up. The equipment is terrific, but, he said, "When the puck is traveling 100 mph, it doesn't matter what you're wearing."

Nashville forward Steve Sullivan has put some thought into this, and he wonders if that one-in-five stat has surfaced in other years. The fact that players such as Malkin and Ovechkin are out has contributed to the focus on the issue -- "It's not just high-end players, but superstars, and especially in an Olympic year," Sullivan said -- but Sullivan also believes the most recent rule changes, those that opened up the game, have left players more vulnerable to injuries, particularly head injuries.

"I think we've created this ourselves. The game is faster, there's far less obstruction, which is great, and guys are bigger and faster," said Sullivan, who is 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds. "We've changed the rules to allow this kind of game, the way the game has evolved is outstanding, and the fans enjoy it. But now we may have to look at changing the rules to protect players. Guys are getting hit a lot harder than they ever have. It's definitely time to review open-ice hits, hits to the head."

Sullivan pointed out that the number of days lost to head injuries are going up simply because teams and players are more aware of the seriousness of concussions and post-concussion syndrome, so extra days are tacked on that weren't before. "I don't think anyone wants to take the risk of going back three days early now," he said. "People are more careful, which is good. No one should be playing with those kinds of injuries."

Increasing suspensions for shots to the head might be a solution, but the basic equation of bigger, faster, unchecked players would not change, and, Sullivan said, "We have to look at it as a whole. We all love the game, we love playing the game and if you're only one hit away from not being able to play again, is that worth the risk?"

McLellan said that the Sharks have talked about the increased number of head injuries as a group: coaching staff, management, players. "Blows to the head are certainly of concern," he said. "No one wants to see players leave the game because of it. If we could eliminate that, injury totals would go down dramatically."

There have been a fair share of strange accidental injuries, too, including the laceration that will keep Carolina goaltender Cam Ward out up to a month.

"I know all about those weird, skate-slicing things," said Boyle, who missed 50 games with Tampa Bay when a skate slipped off a hook and gashed his left arm and wrist. "That was not fun."

It's a dangerous sport, no bones about it. No matter what the injury totals, teams just have to deal. It always will be part of the game.

"It makes it tough on a coaching staff, playing through a lot of injuries," McLellan said. "But there's nothing you can do but carry on. You can't use it as an excuse, or say, 'Oh, now we'll have less chance of winning.' You've got to try to get through it."

Reflections on the Rash of Injuries originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Teamwork of Rivals May Have Saved Life

Christopher Botta — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Penguins, Sharks, NHL Injuries, FanHouse Exclusive

The NHL can be a league of brutality, of fierce grudges played out inside the boards. But one of the game's most endearing qualities is the sportsmanship demonstrated when the final buzzer sounds. There is, of course, the traditional handshake after playoff series. Then there are the moments you don't hear much about.

David Morehouse (pictured right) arrived safely at home on Thursday morning. The 48-year-old president of the Pittsburgh Penguins had emergency endovascular stent surgery on Sunday in California to repair a blocked artery. But there is a lot more to this story.

"In the National Hockey League, we have more of a family culture than you'd expect because the games are so competitive, the rivalries so intense," said Tom McMillan, the Penguins Vice President of Communications. "The way two teams worked together on Sunday to take care of Dave Morehouse kind of says it all."

On Sunday morning, about 10 hours after the Penguins lost to the Sharks in San Jose, Pittsburgh's players, coaches and staff boarded a charter aircraft bound for home. Ten minutes before the flight's scheduled departure, Morehouse told Penguins head athletic trainer Chris Stewart that he was experiencing discomfort in his chest and pains down his left arm. Stewart immediately took Morehouse off the plane and told his colleagues to travel without them.

This is when the teamwork of rivals began. Stewart reached San Jose Sharks head trainer Ray Tufts and asked if he could provide any assistance. According to an eyewitness account provided to FanHouse, the Sharks staff worked for Morehouse as if he was their team president.

Tufts, who who was honored this week for recently working his 1000th NHL game, bolted immediately to San Jose Mineta International Airport to pick up Morehouse and Stewart. He drove them to a small hospital in Los Gatos for a preliminary observation with a cardiologist. The Sharks trainer also contacted head team physician Dr. John Chiu, who assisted in the early diagnosis and then arranged for Morehouse to be transferred to the larger El Camino Hospital in Mountain View.

Morehouse, who has three children with his wife Vanessa, underwent stent surgery considered minimally invasive, but might have had to endure much more if the Penguins' charter took off for the five-hour flight with him on it. Crediting the poise and quick thinking of his trainer Chris Stewart, Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said, "Chris was getting a lot of pats on the back. That was scary stuff. He was really smart to tell Dave to stay back. That was big. It's a long flight. He may have saved his life."

Although Tufts, the Sharks trainer, and Chiu, San Jose's medical director, politely declined interview requests from FanHouse -- therefore declining to take any credit -- Morehouse and the Penguins family know the real story behind his extraordinary care.

"The Sharks' medical staff was just incredible to us," said McMillan, the Penguins' VP. "We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude."

Teamwork of Rivals May Have Saved Life originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kovalchuk Practicing, May Play Thursday

Bruce Ciskie — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Thrashers, Eastern, NHL Injuries

The Atlanta Thrashers have played six games without star and team captain Ilya Kovalchuk. Any reports of their demise were greatly exaggerated, as they have gone 3-3 since Kovalchuk was lost to a broken foot.

Initial reports had Kovalchuk missing four to six weeks, but he practiced Tuesday, and there is confidence that he will return to action Thursday.

Coach John Anderson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he is "95 percent" sure Kovalchuk will be in the lineup Thursday at Madison Square Garden, when Atlanta battles the New York Rangers.

General manager Don Waddell essentially confirmed the report in a Tuesday appearance on NHL Live!, which was broadcast from the general managers' meetings in Toronto. He told hosts E.J. Hradek and Craig Button that he was confident Kovalchuk would play "this weekend," but he didn't specify a target date for the captain's return. Waddell noted that Atlanta plays three games over four days starting Thursday (they host Los Angeles Friday and Edmonton Sunday), so it would be great to have Kovalchuk back in the lineup.

Kovalchuk had nine goals in eight games before he was injured. The Thrashers are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference, two points out of eighth.

Kovalchuk Practicing, May Play Thursday originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canes Sign Manny Legace to Fill Net

Kevin Schultz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Hurricanes, NHL Free Agency, NHL Injuries

When Cam Ward went down with a grisly injury on Saturday night a bad season got much, much worse for the Carolina Hurricanes. Their star netminder got cut by a skate early in the first period and had to be taken to the hospital. As of Sunday night Ward was still in a Columbus hospital and the team expects that he will miss at least 3-4 weeks.

With the goaltending duties left to former sixth round pick and journeyman backup Michael Leighton, GM Jim Rutherford moved quickly to get some goaltending help. For now, that help comes in the form of 36-year-old veteran Manny Legace.

Today, the Hurricanes signed Legace to a one-year, two-way contract worth $500,000. The last time Legace was in the news was when he tripped over a carpet laid out for Sarah Palin last October. Legace was playing with the Blues at the time and missed five games with a hip injury as a result. He suffered a concussion later in the season and was never really the same. He cleared waivers and played the second half of the season in Peoria with the Blues' AHL affiliate. Legace was not re-signed when his contract expired over the summer.

For now, the Hurricanes have a temporary fix in goal without having to give up any assets and avoid having to play a journeyman backup with a career .897 save percentage. But it remains to be seen which version of Legace the Canes will have in net. Two years ago, Legace was solid for the Blues with a 2.41 GAA and .911 save percentage. Last year, those numbers ballooned to 3.18 and .885 when he lost his way.

Canes Sign Manny Legace to Fill Net originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jason Williams Suffers Broken Leg In Loss to Toronto

Adam Gretz — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Injuries, NHL Videos

Not only did the Detroit Red Wings suffer a 5-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night, ending a three-game winning streak, they also lost yet another forward when offseason acquisition Jason Williams slid awkwardly into the end boards and fractured his right fibula.

According to head coach Mike Babcock, he could be out for as long as eight weeks, joining forwards Johan Franzen and Valtteri Filppula who are also out of the lineup with injuries.

When it rains, it pours.

Also: Cam Ward Taken to Hospital With Cut on Leg

Warning! Before watching the video, you should know that Williams leg bends in ways the human leg is not supposed to bend. You've been warned.

Head coach Mike Babcock on the injury, From Ansar Kahn of Mlive:

"Losing Willy was a blow to us," Babcock said. "He was playing in more minutes and more situations than we anticipated, but that's just the way it's gone. No sense worrying about the guys that aren't available. We got to find a way as a group to dig in. "We don't have the ability to score like we did. We're going to have to do a real good job defensively, get good goaltending and have good specialty teams."

Williams has two goals and five assists in 15 games for the Red Wings this season after scoring 19 goals a year ago with Atlanta and Columbus.

I think my FanHouse colleague, and loyal Red Wings fan, Chris Burke said it best last night: "if you know any forwards, tell them to pack their things and fly to Detroit."

Jason Williams Suffers Broken Leg In Loss to Toronto originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cam Ward Taken to Hospital Following Cut on Leg

Adam Gretz — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, NHL Injuries, NHL Videos

Scary moment in Columbus on Saturday night as Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward had to leave the game early in the first period and be taken to a hospital after receiving cut on his leg following a collision with the skate blade of Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash.

Ward was down for quite a while, and as he slowly made his way to the bench blood could be seen on the ice. Video after the jump (and it's not as graphic as you might think. It's hard to even see what happened).

According to Hurricanes head coach Paul Maurice following the game, Ward's injury is "significant." Obviously the first thing that comes to mind when talking about players being injured by skate blades are the horrific accidents involving former Buffalo Sabres goalie Clint Malarchuk and former Florida Panthers forward Richard Zednik.

Hopefully for Ward's sake, his injury isn't anywhere near as serious.

As for the game itself, the Hurricanes dropped their 12th in a row, 3-2, and fall to 2-11-3 overall. They currently have a league-worst seven points in the standings.

Cam Ward Taken to Hospital Following Cut on Leg originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Flames' Swine Flu Clinic Not Piggish, Just Celeb Reality

Christopher Botta — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Flames, NHL Injuries, NHL Media Watch

Don't blame the Calgary Flames for swiping swine flu shots for their players, coaches, staff members and their families. Blame the culture of celebrity. Since most hockey players are big stars north of the border, blame Canada. Blame Alberta Health Services, the agency responsible.

But don't get all high and mighty about the Flames getting vaccinated while thousands of Alberta residents waited all day or were turned away at clinics throughout the province. The hockey team did not ask for preferential treatment. They only asked for treatment. Why a squad from Alberta Health provided the Flames with their own clinic is something the agency will have to explain. One suggestion for the investigators: start with the team's head physician. Those docs tend to be deeply connected.

If you haven't heard about the controversy, it's all the rage in Canada. The Alberta government is trying to determine how the Flames were vaccinated for the H1N1 virus on Friday. At the same time Calgary's hockey team and its extended family were being taken care of at an undisclosed location, countless citizens waited on endless lines and several clinics were closed as Alberta Health re-focused its vaccination program on high-risk patients. Alberta Health Minister Ron Liepert said the swine flu shots were "inappropriately diverted" to the hockey club.

On Tuesday, Flames president Ken King said the franchise simply contacted Alberta Health Services and followed all guidelines. "Our organization and medical staff felt that our players should receive the vaccination, given the risks associated with frequent physical contact, extreme exertion and onerous domestic and cross-border travel," King said in a statement.

OK, so King did not explain the extra shots provided for the spouses and children of front office executives, but the Flames' request was not illegal. King added, "Our players did not seek to either avoid lineups or get special attention."

Whether he meant to or not, Edmonton Oilers VP Allan Watt took a shot across Alberta at the hated Flames. Responding to a question about the Oilers' plan for vaccination, Watt said, "If a player wants to get a shot, he can go to a clinic just like any person."

And therein lies the argument that has transcended the playing surface and has Western Canada in an uproar. The Alberta government was receiving mounting criticism well before the Flames controversy. The beloved hockey team -- the pride of Calgary win, lose or overtime loss -- is getting some rare heat. "The majority of fans and Albertans are pointing their fingers at Health Services," said Fan590 sports radio host Rob Kerr, "but the Flames have been hit a bit with this notion that they're queue-jumpers."

That's life. If Jarome Iginla wants tickets for a hot concert at the Saddledome, he can score as many as he wants. Although at $6 million a year Dion Phaneuf is the last guy to need anyone's generosity, no doubt his tabs have been picked up by the owners of local restaurants many times.

In the final report, chances are there won't be mention of any pictures taken and autographs signed during the inoculation. But if anyone thinks the Flames were not given the star treatment with these swine flu shots, they're kidding themselves. Just don't kill the franchise for asking. Within the rules, the Flames were only trying to take care of their own.

While the investigation of the Flames' very special clinic is ongoing, Alberta Health Services announced a new vaccination plan favoring pregnant women and young children. There's no truth to the rumor the plan also extends to anyone named Sutter.

Flames' Swine Flu Clinic Not Piggish, Just Celeb Reality originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ovechkin 'Week to Week' With Upper Body Strain

Adam Gretz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Capitals, NHL Injuries

After leaving Sunday's overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets with an upper body injury, the Washington Capitals announced on Monday that Alex Ovechkin will be out of the lineup on a week-to-week basis with an upper body strain.

It goes without saying that it's a huge blow to the Capitals offense, as he's leading the league in goals (again) and points. Prior to this injury, he missed only four games in his NHL career, three of them coming a year ago.

Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau on the news:

"We have to buckle down. A goal a game he scores, so we got to play better defense and cannot allow four or five goals a game. You have to win 3-1 and 2-1 and if you get lucky sometimes make it a 4-2 game. I think we have enough character players who understand what we will have to do without Alex."

Before going down on Sunday, he was off to, perhaps, the best start of his career, scoring 14 goals in 14 games and helping lead the Capitals to an 8-2-4 start out of the gate. He also sparked debate as to whether or not he could be a threat to score 50 goals in 50 games -- or make a push for the 70-goal mark.

Washington's schedule over the next week includes a road game at New Jersey and a pair of games with the Florida Panthers.

It's been a rough opening month for some of the NHL's elite players, as Ovechkin joins Evgeni Malkin, Marc Savard, Ilya Kovalchuk, Roberto Luongo, Sergei Gonchar, Johan Franzen, and Jonathan Toews, just to name a few, who have all missed significant action with various injuries.

Ovechkin 'Week to Week' With Upper Body Strain originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ovechkin Hurt in Loss to Columbus

Adam Gretz — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:40:00 EST

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Capitals, NHL Injuries, NHL Videos

The Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets played an overtime thriller on Sunday afternoon, with the Jackets picking up the 5-4 win thanks to R.J. Umberger's game-winner (and second goal of the game) at the 1:45 mark of the extra frame.

Perhaps the biggest concern for Capitals fans isn't the outcome on the scoreboard, but the status of the league's leading scorer and back-to-back MVP winner, Alex Ovechkin, who left the game after playing just 7:43.

From the Capitals Web site:

A few minutes before leaving, Ovechkin was involved in an altercation in front of the Blue Jackets' bench. During a break in play barely a minute into the second period, Ovechkin was bumped by Columbus left wing Jason Chimera and Ovechkin responded with a shove and players from both teams skated over to the scrum. Ovechkin, Chimera and Blue Jacket right wing Jared Boll all received minors for roughing, and Boll was also issued a misconduct.

As if the league didn't have enough star players injured through the first month of the season.

The team announced, via Twitter, that Ovechkin is day-to-day with an upper body injury, and that because of an off day on Monday, there won't be an update on his status until Tuesday. He's currently leading the league in most offensive categories, including goals (14), points (23), and shots on goal (85).

The third period saw the two teams combine for five goals, including a pair from Raffi Torres, who tied the game for Columbus with just 16 seconds to play in regulation. Rick Nash opened the scoring for the Blue Jackets early in the second period with this goal that probably won't be showing up on the highlight reel for Washington's defense this season:

Washington has now lost back-to-back games at home following a six-game winning streak, but has still managed to gain at least a point in the standings in nine straight games. The Capitals haven't lost in regulation since their 3-2 loss in Detroit all the way back on October 10.

Ovechkin Hurt in Loss to Columbus originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Malkin to Miss 'Couple of Weeks'

Adam Gretz — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Penguins, NHL Injuries

After losing No. 1 defenseman Sergei Gonchar to a broken a wrist over a week ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be without another top player as the reigning NHL scoring champion, Evgeni Malkin, will be out of the lineup for two-to-three weeks with a shoulder strain.

According to head coach Dan Bylsma the injury happened roughly 10 days ago, and sitting him out is a precautionary move at this point.

From the Penguins website:

"Geno is going to be out of the lineup for a couple of weeks," Bylsma said. "He strained his shoulder about 10 days or so ago. I don't know the exact day. It is precautionary for the player. We are worried about the safety of the shoulder. A couple weeks of rest and rehab will get that thing healthy so he can get back onto the ice."

Malkin is currently tied with Sidney Crosby for the team lead with 14 points in 12 games, and recorded an assist in Wednesday's 6-1 win against Montreal. His absence gives Jordan Staal an opportunity to take over as the team's No. 2 center.

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review also reports that forward Tyler Kennedy will sit out Friday's game in Columbus after missing Wednesday's game against Montreal. His spot was taken by Chris Bourque.

It's a costly series of injuries for the Penguins, because not only are they without one of their top offensive players in Malkin, the promotion of Staal to the second line, combined with the absence of Kennedy, breaks up the third line of Staal, Kennedy and Matt Cooke, which has been one of their most consistent lines all season.

Malkin to Miss 'Couple of Weeks' originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marian Gaborik Out Against the Islanders

Christopher Botta — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Islanders, Rangers, NHL Injuries

UNIONDALE, NY -- New York Rangers sniper Marian Gaborik will miss Wednesday night's game against the Islanders. Gaborik suffered what appeared to be a leg injury in the third period of New York's win over Phoenix on Monday at Madison Square Garden.

"He won't be playing tonight," Rangers coach John Tortorella said after Wednesday's morning skate at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. "I'm not going to get into what he has."

Tortorella said Gaborik's injury is not related to the hip, groin and back ailments that forced the All-Star to miss 65 games in 2008-09, his last season with the Minnesota Wild. The coach also said, "I have no idea" when asked when Gaborik will be able to return to the lineup. The Rangers' next game after facing the Islanders is on Friday in Minnesota.

In Gaborik's absence, New York recalled forward P.A. Parenteau from Hartford. The 26-year-old Parenteau leads the American Hockey League with eight goals this season and is tied for first in AHL scoring with 14 points.

Tortorella said the loss of Gaborik, "doesn't change anything." The coach casually said he has to add a player to the Rangers' power play and "other guys get bumped up." He pointed out that "four or five guys" have struggled offensively and this was an opportunity for them to step up. Rangers captain Chris Drury and alternate Ryan Callahan each have two goals and three assists in 12 games. Left wing Christopher Higgins has no goals and two assists in 12 games.

Marian Gaborik Out Against the Islanders originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gaborik's Prowess on Display, but Here Come Those Injury Questions ...

Christopher Botta — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:27:00 EST

Filed under: Rangers, NHL Injuries

NEW YORK -- With each goal Marian Gaborik scores, with each goal he sets up -- two goals and one assist Monday in the Rangers' 5-2 win over Phoenix -- it's impossible to not think about the most startling trade of the offseason.

The deal that had nothing to do with Gaborik, yet everything to do with the Rangers signing Gaborik.

On July 1, at the opening of unrestricted free agency, Rangers general manager Glen Sather magically -- or perhaps through hypnosis -- unloaded Scott Gomez in a trade with Montreal. As if ridding themselves of Gomez's carefree approach, five years and $33.5 million wasn't enough, the Rangers brought back third-line forward Chris Higgins and a pair of prospects, including Ryan McDonagh, the 2007 first-round pick.

It was the kind of where-are-the-pictures heist in which you could envision Sather calling all his buddies in the Rangers office and saying, "You won't friggin' believe this, but ... "

"There's only a handful of scary offensive players in the league. I'm glad we have one of them."
-- Brandon Dubinsky on Marian Gaborik Believe it all right. Freed of the chokehold of Gomez's contract -- yes, one Sather erred badly in offering in the first place -- the Rangers were back in business. Instead of looking at a '09-10 with Gomez and maybe a prayer for the seventh or eighth seed in the East, the Rangers could make a move to gain a chance to dream of home-ice advantage in the first round and possibly more.

The free agent signing of Marian Gaborik the day after dumping Gomez on Montreal gave the Rangers that chance.

"With his speed and his ability to dipsy-doodle with the puck," said teammate Vinny Prospal (who really said "dipsy-doodle"), "he makes the game easier for all of us. He's one of the best players in the league."

After Monday night, Gaborik is now the No. 2 scorer in the league. His 10 goals and eight assists for 18 points in 12 games place him behind only LA's Anze Kopitar and just ahead of Alexander Ovechkin and Joe Thornton.

Rangers coach John Tortorella said Gaborik "makes plays that we can't teach." Goalie Henrik Lundqvist said, "Gabby shows up every night, and every night he can be the difference maker." Center Brandon Dubinsky said, "He's so dangerous that even when he doesn't have the puck, he creates opportunities for his linemates. There's only a handful of scary offensive players in the league. I'm glad we have one of them."

Of course, the universal proclamation of Gaborik as one of the game's top players almost always includes the addendum, "when he's healthy." The All-Star right wing has missed 136 games with injuries over his eight-year NHL career. An assortment of hip, knee and groin injuries limited Gaborik to just 17 games last season with Minnesota.

On cue, Gaborik missed the final eight minutes of the win over Phoenix on Monday night. He limped to the dressing room in the third period with what appeared to be a leg injury. Tortorella said the game was out of reach and the team decided to shut the star down for the night. About 45 minutes after the game, Gaborik said his injury was unrelated to any of his injuries from last season in Minnesota and hoped to play in the Rangers' next game -- on Wednesday against the Islanders.

"We'll see how everything is in the morning," he said after the game.

When Gaborik didn't come out to take a bow as the game's First Star, Rangers fans had their first chance to ponder what their team could look like without him. So far, Gaborik's play is making the Rangers' five-year, $37.5 million investment in him look wise -- and Montreal's reach for Gomez look foolish. Now, if only he can stay healthy.

Gaborik's Prowess on Display, but Here Come Those Injury Questions ... originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:27:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Booth Taken Off on Stretcher After Devastating Hit From Mike Richards

Adam Gretz — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:20:00 EST

Filed under: Flyers, Panthers, NHL Injuries, NHL Discipline

For the second time in as many nights, an NHL player was taken off the ice on a stretcher Saturday. This time around it's Florida Panthers forward David Booth, who was on the receiving end of what appears to be a rather borderline hit from Philadelphia's Mike Richards.

Video after the jump.

Richards appears to lead with his shoulder, but it's a hit to the head, and that's never a good thing. He received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for interference, and the play will obviously get some attention from the league. How can a player get five minutes and a game misconduct for interference you ask? Well, let's recall our conservation with former NHL director of officiating Stephen Walkom from a year ago. From Walkom:

"In terms of that call, a year ago the general managers decided that in our rule book we always had a minor penalty for interference," said Walkom. "Someone asked the question one day, 'What happens if a player doesn't play the puck, gets hit, and gets injured ... Shouldn't that be a major penalty? And a game misconduct?' So, the major penalty and a game misconduct were added to the rule book last year. It was approved by the competition committee, the board of governors and the general managers first."

Once the major penalty is issued, the game misconduct becomes automatic. It's all under rules 56.4 and 56.5 in the NHL rule book.

Booth scored his second goal of the season earlier in the game.

So, what do you think, hockey fans? Is this a legal hit with an unfortunate result, or a player that requires further discipline from the league?

UPDATE: Booth has been released from a Philadelphia hospital after suffering a concussion.

(H/T HFBoards for posting the video)

David Booth Taken Off on Stretcher After Devastating Hit From Mike Richards originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuomo Ruutu Suspended 3 Games for Hit on Darcy Tucker

Adam Gretz — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:10:00 EST

Filed under: Avalanche, Hurricanes, NHL Injuries, NHL Videos, NHL Discipline

The NHL acted fast in determining a punishment for Carolina Hurricanes forward Tuomo Ruutu, suspending him three games for his hit on Colorado's Darcy Tucker Friday night.

Just a little over five minutes into the second period, Ruutu hit Tucker from behind into the boards, knocking him unconscious on the ice. Tucker was eventually taken off on a stretcher and, according to the team, suffered a concussion. He remained in the hospital overnight and is expected to be released on Saturday, according to TSN.

Ruutu was issued a five-minute major for boarding and given a game misconduct following the hit.

The Avalanche responded with a goal on the ensuing power play before winning the game, 5-4, and continuing their impressive early season performance that currently has them atop the Western Conference with a 7-1-1 record.

Tuomo Ruutu Suspended 3 Games for Hit on Darcy Tucker originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Darcy Tucker Removed on Stretcher After Hit From Tuomo Ruutu

Tom Mantzouranis — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:49:00 EST

Filed under: Avalanche, Hurricanes, NHL Injuries

Avalanche forward Darcy Tucker was immobilized and taken away on a stretcher after he was checked into the boards by Carolina forward Tuomo Ruutu.

The hit came just over five minutes into the second period in Friday night's game in Colorado. Tucker had turned away from Ruutu to play the puck, and Ruutu drove Tucker into the glass from behind. The game was tied 2-2 at the time.

Video of the hit after the jump.

UPDATE: Tuomo Ruutu Suspended for 3 Games

After falling to his back, the gritty forward was motionless as doctors attended to him. He was able to move his right arm as he was taken off the ice. The team has announced that he has regained full consciousness and is fully alert, though he suffered a concussion and needed stitches.

Ruutu was assessed a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct. Colorado was able to take advantage, with Milan Hejduk breaking the tie on the ensuing power play. The Avalanche scored right after the penalty expired, as well, before Carolina was able to draw back within a goal, 4-3, to end the second period. After a couple more goals, Colorado held on to win 5-4.

Tucker had the worst season of his career in 2008, but has been a microcosm of the Avalanche team this year, exceeding expectations. Healthy and seemingly refreshed, he's been able to play the type of blue-collar game that made him a fan favorite in his time with the Maple Leafs. With six points in nine games for the first-place Avalanche, the timing of the hit and any ensuing injuries is awful.

Darcy Tucker Removed on Stretcher After Hit From Tuomo Ruutu originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Penguins, Bruins Lose Sergei Gonchar and Marc Savard to Injury

Adam Gretz — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:10:00 EST

Filed under: Bruins, Penguins, NHL Injuries

Some pretty big injury news around the NHL today, as the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins learned they will be without some key players for at least the next month.

In Boston, the Bruins will be without their top playmaker, center Marc Savard, for the next four-to-six weeks because of broken left foot, which comes just two days after power forward Milan Lucic had surgery on a broken finger, which will also sideline him for more than a month.

Savard has seven points (four goals, three assists) in Boston's first seven games, and led the team in scoring a season ago with 88 points. One of the best playmaking centers in the league, this is obviously a huge blow to a Boston team that has been off to a slow start, losing four of its first seven games.

Meanwhile, in Pittsburgh, the Penguins lost defenseman Sergei Gonchar in Tuesday's 5-1 thrashing of St. Louis to an undisclosed injury. Early reports seem to indicate that it's a broken bone near his hand, and Rob Rossi of the Tribune-Review reported Wednesday morning that the players have been informed he'll be out at least a month.

Gonchar missed 57 games a season ago and it proved to be a costly loss as the team struggled at times in his absence, particularly on the power play. The emergence of youngsters Alex Goligoski and Kris Letang should help to soften the blow this time around, while the team also has veteran Martin Skoula waiting for his first opportunity this year.

Penguins, Bruins Lose Sergei Gonchar and Marc Savard to Injury originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vanek Scores 2, Likely Out 'Weeks' With Upper Body Injury

Adam Gretz — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Flames, Sabres, Red Wings, NHL Injuries

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our Weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the storylines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Sabres 6, Red Wings 2: The Sabres scored four goals in seven minutes during the second period of their 6-2 win against the Red Wings on Tuesday, chasing Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood after he surrendered five goals on just 22 shots. Leading the way for Buffalo was Thomas Vanek with two goals, including what turned out to be a costly score when he was injured falling into the boards after poking in a rebound. He left the game and did not return with an "upper body injury" that appears to be fairly serious.

After the jump: Vanek's status, hit of the day, and more

Following the game, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said his All-Star winger could be out "weeks" with the injury.

Vanek missed nine games a season ago, which played a big role in the Sabres missing the playoffs as they went 3-5-1 in his absence and fell short of the postseason by just two points.

Drew Stafford, Patrick Kaleta, Clarke MacArthur and Paul Gaustad also scored for Buffalo, while Ryan Miller stopped 23 shots.

Blue Jackets 2, Flames 1: Columbus continued its fast start with a 2-1 win over Calgary on Tuesday. Anton Stralman scored his first goal as a member of the Blue Jackets, while Kristian Huselius' marker two minutes later proved to be the game-winner. Steve Mason turned aside 22-of-23 shots for Columbus as Calgary dropped its third game in a row, ending what turned out to be a disappointing -- and at times embarrassing -- two-game road trip.

Tuesday's Other Game

Toronto continues its early season struggles. [Box Score, Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- Go Green Nights return in Tampa Bay. Own a bike? Have a phone book you're looking to get rid of? Then you can see some free (or discounted) hockey on October 22 against the San Jose Sharks.

-- Gabriel Desjardins takes a look at Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Vesa Toskala and asks the question we're all asking after his first four starts: does he really suck this much? [Behind The Net]

Video Of The Day

Patrick Kaleta, meet Niklas Kronwall.

Wednesday's Key Games

Pittsburgh vs. Carolina: The Penguins are unbeaten away from Mellon Arena this season and look to go a perfect a 4-0 on their current road trip. It's a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Final. No word on whether or not Bill Cowher will be sounding the Hurricane warning siren.

Edmonton vs. Chicago: Chicago returns to the ice after its record-tying come-from-behind win against Calgary on Monday. The Blackhawks will be taking on their former goaltender, Nikolai Khabibulin, as they host the Edmonton Oilers.

Los Angeles vs. New York: The Kings enter Madison Square Garden riding a four-game winning streak, including three-straight one-goal games. Ryan Smyth looks to be rejuvenated in Los Angeles with eight points (four goals, four assists) in his first five games.

Vanek Scores 2, Likely Out 'Weeks' With Upper Body Injury originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Third Period Rally for Rangers; Sedin to Miss 4-6 Weeks

Adam Gretz — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Ducks, Rangers, NHL Injuries

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our Weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the storylines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Rangers 3, Ducks 0: After the Rangers and Ducks skated to a 0-0 tie through the first two periods on Sunday, the Rangers had an offensive explosion of sorts in the third period, scoring three goals, including a pair in the final six minutes. Rookie forward Artem Anisimov scored his first career goal for the blue shirts, while backup netminder Steve Valiquette stopped all 18 shots he faced to record his third career shutout. The Rangers outshot the Ducks by a 38-18 margin.

After the jump: Daniel Sedin out, picture of the day, Monday's key games

Daniel Sedin To Miss 4-6 Weeks: The Canucks have stumbled out of the gate in the opening weeks of the season, and it keeps getting worse. The team learned this weekend it will be without forward Daniel Sedin for the next four-to-six weeks due to a broken foot. The Sedin twins have both been extremely durable in recent years, including Daniel, who has played in 646 of a possible 660 games in his career.

In four games this season the 29-year-old winger has zero goals and four assists. Speaking of injury problems for the Canucks, Pavel Demitra's rehab is not going as well as planned. Consider this from head coach Alain Vigneault: "Without getting into specifics, his rehab is not going as well as we had planned ... All I can really say is, it's not going as quickly as he had wanted to at this time." [Canucks]

Sunday's Other Game

Canucks beat the Kings in a shootout. [Box Score, Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- What to expect from John Tavares. [Puck Prospectus]

Picture Of The Day

No interesting video's from Sunday's action, so we'll switch things up a bit and go with the picture of the day (actually, it's from Thursday). Behold, the awesomeness of net camera's.

Monday's Key Games

Maple Leafs vs. Rangers: Toronto is one of two team's in the NHL still looking for its first win, and it's coming off a rather dismal 5-2 loss to the Penguins on Saturday night. On the plus side, the Maple Leafs get a Rangers team playing the second half of back-to-back games. Vesa Toskala has been awful for Toronto in his first three starts, posting a 4.98 goals against average to go with a .824 save percentage.

Devils vs. Capitals: The Capitals look to end a three-game losing streak as they host Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. The Devils come in having won two in a row.

Flames vs. Blackhawks: Chicago finally gets to play a game on home ice as it welcomes the Calgary Flames in for a rematch of last year's Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Third Period Rally for Rangers; Sedin to Miss 4-6 Weeks originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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