NHL FanHouse

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Andrei Markov Out 4 Months After Surgery for Lacerated Tendon

Adam Gretz — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Canadiens, NHL Injuries

The Montreal Canadiens managed to escape Thursday's season opener in Toronto with a 4-3 overtime win -- despite being outshot by a 46-27 margin -- thanks to a game-winning tally from Josh Gorges with 10 seconds to play in the extra period.

While Montreal won the game, it proved to be a very, very costly win as two-time All-Star defenseman Andrei Markov left in the third period after awkwardly colliding with goaltender Carey Price.

Multiple Canadian media outlets, including TSN, Sportsnet and RDS, reported that Markov could miss anywhere between two-to-four months early Friday, and the Canadiens confirmed Friday afternoon that the defenseman will be on the shelf for the next four months after undergoing surgery for a lacerated tendon in his ankle.

Aside from being Montreal's top defenseman, Markov, 30, has also been one of its leading scorers the past two seasons, finishing the 2008-09 campaign with 64 points, second on the team, trailing only Alexei Kovalev's 65.

This will leave a huge hole on a Montreal blue line that has undergone a number of changes since the end of last season, including the loss of Mike Komisarek to free agency, and the additions of Hal Gill, Paul Mara and Jaroslav Spacek.

The Canadiens were also without veteran rearguard Roman Hamrlik on Thursday due to the flu.

Not only does Markov average well over 24 minutes of ice-time for the Canadiens on most nights, he's also their power play quarterback, leading the team with 39 points on the man-advantage a season ago. Obviously, they're going to need guys like Spacek and Hamrlik (when he returns) to step up and fill some big shoes.

Andrei Markov Out 4 Months After Surgery for Lacerated Tendon originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Wild's Brent Burns Feeling Better After Concussion, Shoulder Surgery

Bruce Ciskie — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:35:00 EST

Filed under: Wild, Western, NHL Injuries, Team Canada

The offseason sure has been interesting for the Minnesota Wild. The front office was overhauled, with former Pittsburgh aide Chuck Fletcher taking over as general manager and hiring Todd Richards as head coach.

Changes have come to the Wild on the ice, too, but one of the more notable developments of the offseason involves a player who has been with the Wild ever since he was drafted.

There was some acrimony last spring over the treatment of defenseman Brent Burns, who had a concussion, as well as shoulder problems. That concussion, according to his agent, went untreated by the Wild for six weeks, as they allowed him to continue playing.

By June, Burns' recovery was going well, and now he's healthy enough to head to Canada for that country's Olympic evaluation camp.

"[My shoulder] still has some awkward times, but for the most part, it feels pretty good and I've been able to do everything. I'm in really good shape right now...I've been really watching my diet lately and it's made a big difference and I feel really good."

More importantly, Burns continues to be free of concussion symptoms.

This is obviously good news for Wild fans, who are looking forward to watching Burns play in a more offensive system being installed by Richards. Burns should be allowed more freedom to jump into the play, and his overall numbers should improve.

As for his chances of making Team Canada, the selections won't be made during this camp, and Burns should have some opportunity to show what he can do once he's healthy and ready to play in October.

Wild's Brent Burns Feeling Better After Concussion, Shoulder Surgery originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Marian Hossa's Blackhawks Career Is Off to a Smashing Start

Adam Gretz — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:25:00 EST

Filed under: Blackhawks, NHL Injuries

What has been a bizarre offseason in Chicago, complete with lost mail and unexpected general manager changes, has turned downright disappointing if you're a Blackhawks fan.

Word surfaced earlier this week that newly-acquired forward Marian Hossa was fighting a shoulder injury that could require surgery, and ultimately keep him out of the lineup until December. The team announced on Thursday that Hossa will in fact be going under the knife to repair a small tear in his rotator cuff. Estimated recovery time? Four months.

General manager Stan Bowman offered the following on the team's official Web site:

"Marian's injury did not respond sufficiently to our non-operative treatment over the last three weeks so we have collectively decided today to go ahead with the surgery ... Marian is a franchise player and we want what is best for him and the Blackhawks long-term. This was a mutual decision and one we feel very confident is the right one."

Hossa signed a 12-year, $62 million contract on the first day of free agency, changing teams for the second consecutive offseason. Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times appears to be rather livid with the team's decision to cover up the injury, while Second City Hockey offers up an important point to keep in mind: the playoffs start in April, not November.

That's certainly fair, but it's also quite reasonable to ask how effective Hossa will be post-surgery, and how much of an impact that will have on Chicago's success in the first half of the season.

Marian Hossa's Blackhawks Career Is Off to a Smashing Start originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Biron Signing Raises Serious Questions About DiPietro's Health

Kevin Schultz — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Islanders, NHL Free Agency, NHL Injuries

The New York Islanders have been mum on the subject of Rick DiPietro and his injured knee and hips since the goaltender was shutdown for the season back in January. Since then, rumors have floated around the internet of fans seeing DiPietro still on crutches as recently as May and other unfounded rumors. Nothing has been confirmed and no official word has come from the team aside from repeating their statement that 'DiPietro will be with the team at training camp.'

After yesterday's signing of Martin Biron to a one-year deal valued at $1.4 million -- can TSN please, please stop using the phrase "voted on/off the island" in their headlines? -- the team doesn't need to release any statements about their oft-injured star netminder. They sent the media and fans a message as bright as a billboard in Times Square indicating that DiPietro's return may be anything but soon or smooth.

On July 1, the Islanders signed former Oilers starter Dwayne Roloson to a two-year deal. At the time, the move looked like a sensible insurance policy in case DiPietro's rehab went awry or he got hurt again. Roloson would be a solid 1A or 1B to split time with DiPietro at the very least.

The addition of Biron yesterday -- another potential 1A or 1B -- showed that DiPietro may not even be in the team's short term plans. Likely it will be Biron and Roloson splitting time and competing for the starting job in the fall while DiPietro takes an extended rehab stint and -- this is just speculation -- may not be ready until sometime in 2010.

For Biron, this contract may be a stepping stone. He's coming off a tumultuous season in Philadelphia where he split time with Antero Niittymaki for most of the year. Given one season to prove to the league that he still belongs as a starter and a bigger, more lucrative contract could be on the horizon. The one-year deal also serves the Islanders' purposes well as they already have Roloson under contract for a two years and could have a healthy DiPietro by 2010-11 although, I guess, you never know.

Now, the Islanders have three legitimate starting goaltenders on the roster and just drafted two more in June. It's safe to say that as former goaltenders themselves both GM Garth Snow and coach Scott Gordon are well aware of the importance of a good netminder.

Biron Signing Raises Serious Questions About DiPietro's Health originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sergei Gonchar Had Partially Torn MCL

Adam Gretz — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Penguins, NHL Injuries

It's not quite a "nearly catastrophic testicle injury," but Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar had his own set of problems during the Stanley Cup playoffs. After being involved in a knee-to-knee collision with Washington's Alex Ovechkin in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Penguins' No. 1 defenseman suffered a partially torn MCL that sidelined him for just two games. Had the same injury occurred in, say, November, it probably would have kept him out of the lineup for a couple of months.

It's the second major injury of the season for the 35-year-old Gonchar, as he missed the first four-and-a-half months of the season due to a shoulder injury suffered in a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

After missing Games 5 and 6 against the Capitals, Gonchar returned to the lineup for Pittsburgh's decisive 6-2 win in Game 7, and even recorded an assist in the first period. It was pretty obvious, however, that he was playing through a great deal of pain and was far from 100 percent. He still managed to lead the Penguins in ice-time during eight of their final 11 playoff games, including a game-high 24 minutes on Friday night, while essentially playing on one leg.

Here's what he had to say about his quick return to the lineup. From the AP:

"I told the guys they were realizing how important it is now, in the playoffs, it's that time of the year when you have the chance to make your dream come true," Gonchar said. "That's why you're playing through everything, just to get it. It's not only me, everybody sacrificed somehow to get it."

For Gonchar, this is his first Stanley Cup win after coming up short in 1998 (as a member of the Washington Capitals) and 2008 (as a member of the Penguins). All three trips to the finals resulted in matchups against the Red Wings.

In the coming days I'm sure more injuries will start to leak out. The Canadian Press, for example, dropped in a line about how Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was also suffering from an undisclosed "significant injury" during the playoffs.

Sergei Gonchar Had Partially Torn MCL originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Lidstrom Had 'Nearly Catastrophic' Testicle Injury

Adam Gretz — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Injuries

It was a pretty big deal when Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, for the first time in his NHL career, missed a playoff game in the Western Conference finals. The future Hall of Famer missed Games 4 and 5 against the Chicago Blackhawks (both Detroit wins) and, as it turns out, he had a pretty good -- and extremely painful -- excuse.

He was having his testicle operated on as a result of an injury suffered in Game 3.

The injury reportedly occurred when Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp speared him in the groin area during Chicago's 4-3 overtime win on May 22. Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports that Lidstrom called it the most painful injury he's ever had, while the 39-year-old continued: "I thought it was OK that Saturday when I practiced ... but Sunday, Sunday I was just in too much pain. I had surgery during that game."

Gruesome Sports Injuries

May 22, 2009: Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom was speared in the testicles during Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Chicago Blackhawks. He later had surgery and missed two games. Click through to see other cringe-inducing injuries through the years.

Jim McIsaac, Getty Images

May 27, 2009: Spanish matador Israel Lancho is rushed to the hospital after being gored by a bull during the San Isidro Festival. Lancho reportedly has an eight-inch wound in his abdominal area, but the bull's horn missed his heart.

Alberto Simon, AFP / Getty Images

April 5, 2009: Greco-Roman wrestler Serkan Ozden of Turkey grimaces in pain after breaking a finger and losing a bronze medal match at the European Championships.

Liusjenas Kulbis, AP

Feb. 8, 2007: Bryce Davison's skate blade catches the face of his figure skating partner, Jessica Dube, at an international competition. She later receives 80 stitches to repair a laceration on her cheek and nose. Both skaters would go through stress therapy for the incident, but they returned to competition together.

Elaine Thompson, AP

March 23, 2009: Cameron Ciraldo, an Australian rugby player for the Newcastle Knights, suffers a severe dislocation of an ankle and a fractured fibula. "It was hard to look - it wasn't pretty," a teammate said.

Mark Kolbe, Getty Images

Dec. 21, 2008: While trying to catch a pass in the New Orleans Bowl, Southern Miss wide receiver DeAndre Brown's leg crumples awkwardly. The break occurred only minutes after his 67th reception of the season set a school record.

Chris Graythen, Getty Images

Feb. 26, 2007: Clippers guard Shaun Livingston falls awkwardly following a missed layup, tearing knee ligaments in the process.

Harry How, Getty Images

Aug. 13, 2008: Weightlifter Janos Baranyai of Hungary suffers a dislocated elbow while attempting a lift at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Phil Walter, Getty Images

Nov. 1, 2008: Pacers forward Danny Granger leaves more than his heart out on the floor while leading his team to victory. Granger, bottom, hustles for a loose ball, but loses his two front teeth after getting crunched by Celtics star Paul Pierce.

NBA/Getty Images

June 28, 1997: Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has a chunk of his ear bitten off by Mike Tyson during a boxing match. Tyson was disqualified from the title bout by referee Mills Lane.

Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

It's kind of amazing that he only missed two games with the injury, especially since Damien Cox of the Toronto Star referred to it as a "nearly catastrophic injury to his testicle" back on June 5. Um. Ouch? Moral of the story: hockey players are intense -- and determined, and maybe even a little crazy.

It's always interesting to look at the injury reports that come out following the Stanley Cup playoffs, as we discover how the players mired in slumps were actually playing through a broken foot or a dislocated shoulder (or something equally painful). Though, this is the first time I can recall hearing about a nearly catastrophic testicle injury.

Lidstrom finished the postseason with four goals and 12 assists in 21 playoff games, while his shot as time expired in Game 7 was turned aside by Pittsburgh goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Lidstrom is a finalist for the Norris Trophy (again), while he's taken home the award as the NHL's best defenseman six times, including three years in a row.

Lidstrom Had 'Nearly Catastrophic' Testicle Injury originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Detroit Fans Act Like They're From Philly

Bruce Ciskie — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:10:00 EST

Filed under: Penguins, Red Wings, Eastern, Western, NHL Injuries, NHL Videos

Among some hockey fans, Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby has developed quite the reputation. While Penguin fans swear by his consistent play and leadership ability, other fans look at him as a complainer, whiner, and even someone who embellishes to try to get the attention of officials.

Think what you want of him, but it's hard to argue that he got pretty banged up Friday night during Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Unfortunately, Detroit fans were not on their best behavior in response to his injury.

Check out the video evidence.

I'm going to guess that CBC didn't pipe in that crowd noise.

While it wasn't a topic on the NBC broadcast, it was a topic at the postgame press conference. A reporter identified himself as a "Detroiter," expressed his disappointment, and asked Crosby if he noticed the cheers.

"Yeah, I mean, when somebody's injured I don't think that's, you know, something to cheer about," Crosby said. "But at the same time I've played in a lot of tough buildings, and it wouldn't be something that totally surprises me. You know, they want to see their team win. They see me getting hurt, and maybe they see it as an advantage.

"But that's the last thing that was going through my mind is whether or not people were cheering or booing. There was a lot of things going through my mind, but that wasn't one of them."

Crosby played just one shift the rest of the game. While he said he "jammed his knee", there has been nothing else said about exactly what happened to Crosby.

Detroit fans have always had the reputation of being among the league's best. They failed themselves greatly on Friday, with very Philadelphia-like behavior (no offense to Philadelphia fans, but they'd probably cheer if one of their players chopped Crosby's arm off during a game). It's simply wrong to cheer when a player -- even one you don't like -- is injured. The fact that Detroit fans fell into the anti-Crosby trap is defensible, as he can be quite the polarizing figure because of the attention he gets from the media. However, their performance on Friday was quite shocking and disappointing.

Detroit Fans Act Like They're From Philly originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments