Concussion symptoms sideline Wild Pierre-Marc Bouchard
Pierre-Marc Bouchard’s best asset has again been relegated to patience, instead of skating, passing or other on-ice skills.
The Minnesota Wild right wing is out of action indefinitely after suffering another concussion, raising the question about whether his career is in jeopardy.
“I’m not really thinking about this right now. I’m just trying to focus on getting better as quickly as I can, and we’ll see how it goes and where it takes me,” Bouchard said Wednesday.
But he’s not able to exercise until his headaches subside, which means there’s no timetable for his return. The comfort and confidence for him and the team come from the fact that his current symptoms aren’t nearly as severe as when he missed 112 of a possible 113 regular-season games over a span from March 2009 to December 2010.
His previous injury was bad enough he couldn’t drive or even watch television for periods of time. So he has reasons to be positive and optimistic. But given his history, he has to be cautious and concerned.
Crosby to skate on Washington trip
Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby is expected to skate this week for the first time since he was knocked out of the lineup with concussion symptoms in early December.
“He will be skating during this trip,” Penguins coach Dan Bylsma, whose team began a three-game, five-day road trip in Washington on Wednesday, told the Pittsburgh TribuneReview. “He also will, at some point in time, address the media. That will happen in the next few days. It isn’t a set plan, but it will happen.”
Two weeks ago, Bylsma told reporters that Crosby was suffering from concussion symptoms. Crosby hasn’t played since Dec. 5, when he suffered an apparent head injury against the Boston Bruins, and hasn’t practised since Dec. 7.
Subban shrugs off Boston booing
Booed in Boston? No biggie. P.K. Subban expects he’ll get the usual warm welcome from Bruins fans when the struggling Montreal Canadiens take on the high-flying Bruins at TD Garden today.
“I like playing in Boston,” Subban said following practice Wednesday morning. “They’re great on their home ice, but we’re used to playing in loud buildings. I don’t think that really affects us.
“I don’t really hear it,” he added. “I’m not well liked there, but I love it. Eighty-two games is a long season, so sometimes you need games like that to light the fire. It’s a great atmosphere.”
Backstrom out with head injury
Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.
The Capitals top centre has missed the last two games after taking an elbow to the head courtesy of Calgary’s Rene Bourque. Bourque was suspended five games for the infraction and will be eligible to return in time for Tuesday’s game in San Jose.
“We’re being cautious with him still,” Capitals coach Dale Hunter said to NHL.com. “He’s not feeling 100 per cent, so we’re being careful.”
The Capitals are also missing defenceman Mike Green, a Calgarian. Green’s horrific season continued this past Saturday when he re-injured his groin. He had missed 23 straight games before that.
Beaten Rangers fan to attend game
The New York Rangers fan who was jumped and beaten by several men wearing Philadelphia Flyer sweaters after the Winter Classic has been invited by Rangers head coach John Tortorella to attend a game.
Neal Auricchio Jr., an Iraqi war hero, was jumped by the men and assaulted after the Jan. 2 game. He was hospitalized with a concussion in Philadelphia, and required stitches in his head and cheek.
Tortorella phoned the former Marine to invite him to Madison Square Garden for the Feb. 27 game against the New Jersey Devils.
“It absolutely lifted his spirits,” Auricchio’s wife, Maria, told the New York Post. “He’s, and we’re all, such big Rangers fans. It was great (to get Tortorella’s call).”
Police have yet to make an arrest related to the attack.