A star-studded injury list
By: Brian McNally
Examiner Staff Writer
11/02/09 9:49 PM EST
Since the NHL lockout ended in 2005, the sport has been built around its star players. Gone are the dark days when Mario Lemieux had to carry four players on his back as he skated into the offensive zone. The problem? Those stars -- now with space to work their magic -- are getting hurt at an alarming rate.
"It seems like an inordinate year for injuries," said Caps coach Bruce Boudreau. "The game is getting bigger, stronger and faster. And because it's an Olympic year, there's been a lot of games played [in October and November] and the body takes its wear and tear."
Caps star winger Alex Ovechkin was hurt Sunday and is listed as "week-to-week." But he is far from the only one:
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh » An MVP finalist last season, Malkin was practically forced to the bench by the Penguins. It's only a strained shoulder, but he's out at least two more weeks. We're sure Sidney Crosby will survive -- though top defenseman Sergei Gonchar (broken wrist) also is out until Thanksgiving.
Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta » With the Olympics less than four months away, Russian hockey fans do NOT like this list at all. A broken foot will cost Kovalchuk six weeks. He was on an Ovechkin-like pace with nine goals in eight games. The Thrashers are still desperate to sign their free-agent-to-be to a contract extension.
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver » Now Canadian hockey fans are holding their breath. Luongo is still favored to start in goal at the Olympics for Canada in his home rink. But he has a broken rib and that injury can linger. He's out two more weeks, but can't afford a setback. Teammate Daniel Sedin -- last year's leading scorer -- has a broken foot.
Marc Savard, Boston » The Bruins are scuffling without their top playmaker. He too has a broken foot. The center had 88 points last season, but made it through just four games this month before the injury bug hit. Bruising forward Milan Lucic (finger surgery) also is on shelf.
Marian Hossa, Chicago » He will make Chicago's offense virtually unstoppable once he returns from offseason shoulder surgery this month. Hossa had 40 goals last season. Teammate Jonathan Toews (concussion) is also out of the lineup for now.
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