The IR – Higgins, van Riemsdyk, Harding and more
Dobber Sports
2011-12-07
Peter Harling makes his columnist debut, digging up whatever information he can from the top secret world of NHL player injuries…
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins – Knee
Crosby collided with teammate Chris Kunitz in what he described as a "stinger". Fear not Crosby owners, his head was not involved in the impact. His knee took the blow and he gingerly made his way off the ice. Per TSN, he will miss the next two games “as a precaution”.
Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens – Knee
Habs number one defender who seemed close to a return, suffered another setback. While traveling with the team on their Western road trip, Markov visited a specialist in Anaheim and now has undergone another knee surgery. Markov had arthroscopic knee surgery to have scar tissue and debris removed. He will be out an additional four to six weeks.
Chris Higgins, Vancouver Canucks – Foot
Higgins has a suspected staph infection. His foot is severely swollen and he is listed as day – to – day. He suffered a staph infection last season and had missed several games.
James van Riemsdyk, Philadelphia Flyers – Upper Body Injury
JVR participated in a full practice on Monday, and is expected to return to action on Wednesday.
Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins – Concussion
Letang was the recipient of Max Pacioretty's hit that cost the Hab player a suspension. At first glance, it appeared Letang merely suffered a broken nose, as he returned in the game and scored the game winning goal. Letang has been suffering from "concussion – like" symptoms since that hit however, and now has been added to the injured reserve list, and officially diagnosed as concussed.
Alex Semin, Washington Capitals – Undisclosed
This situation is very suspicious. There are several conflicting reports on his status. Coach Dale Hunter, said Semin was cleared to play on Monday, yet he was not in the lineup, despite participating in the morning skate. He is officially listed as having a right shoulder injury, and is day – to – day. Semin has been a healthy scratch prior to the "injury" and is still taking part in full practice and lining up with Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. Keep an eye on this situation!
Brenden Morrow, Dallas Stars – Back
The Stars Captain is expected to return to action on Thursday. Morrow has missed time with a variety of injuries, but most predominantly his back. Morrow had an injection in his back last week which should get him up to 100% according to coach, Glen Gulutzan.
Pavel Kubina, Tampa Bay Lightning – Lower Body Injury
Kubina left the game on Saturday against the Rangers and did not return. While only listed as day – to – day, he did not see action on Monday in Ottawa, or Tuesday on the Island.
Josh Harding, Minnesota Wild – Neck or head
Harding Left Tuesdays game after a collision with teammate Nick Schultz. He remained down for several minutes, and eventually was helped off the ice.
Peter Mueller, Colorado Avalanche – Head
The injury status on Mueller has changed from groin, to head. He has been struggling with post concussion symptoms for three years now and a return is very doubtful. He has only played 18 games in the past three seasons.
Devin Setoguchi, San Jose Sharks – Knee
Left Tuesday's game and was seen limping by Michael Russo. No details on extent of the injury, or how much time he may miss. But he had a soft cast on after the game so one would speculate that he won't be doing the jig anytime soon.