The Injury Bus Is Cranking Up!
You never like to see this many early season hockey injuries but it does happen from the transition of the pre-season to the regular season. It is inevitable. However, you don't have to like it necessarily. Here is a partial list of injuries and just think it is only a little over a week into the hockey season.
- Ryan Whitney (PIT) -- Foot (out till January at least)
- Sergei Gonchar (PIT) -- Shoulder (out 4-6 months)
- Daniel Alfredsson (OTT) -- Knee (out about 2 wks)
- Manny Malhotra (CBJ) -- Lower body (on IR)
- Randy Jones (PHI) -- Hip (out 12-16 wks!!)
- Ryan Parent (PHI) -- Shoulder (out 3 months)
- Rick DiPietro (NYI) -- Fluid on knee (TBD)
- Bryan McCabe (FLA) -- Back (TBD)
- Justin Williams (CAR) -- Achilles (4-6 months)
- Scott Walker (CAR) -- Hand (On IR)
This is just a short list folks but these were some of the more notables. Gonchar's and McCabe's appear to be the most serious. Reports from Florida's camp suggest that it is indeed a broken back and there are fractured vertebrae involved. That is never a good sign! I have heard that he may indeed be done for the season but until a further prognosis is available...I would stay tuned.
The coolest game on Earth is also the fastest game on Earth. Every year the speed and power go upward. That is just how it is. You have to play with your head on a swivel. I remember my days of semi-pro and I look at the game now and there is a HUGE difference that can't be measured by watching it on television. Go in person sometime and sit near the glass and you will see just how fast and dangerous it can be.
The frightening thing is this is only the beginning but it is a small price to pay when the goal in the end is the greatest trophy in sports....the Stanley Cup!
