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Habs without Koivu for season, maybe play-offs. |
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TSN quote:
"The Montreal Canadiens are going into the playoffs with plenty of question marks as captain Saku Koivu is out for the regular season with a fractured bone in his left foot.
Koivu, who was using crutches and a foot brace as he left the Bell Centre on Monday, told reporters that more tests would be done Tuesday and he would discuss more details of his injury at that time.
The 12-year NHL veteran was struck on the left foot by a shot from Ales Kotalik early in Friday night's 4-3 victory in Buffalo. He played through the injury and assisted on Christopher Higgins's overtime-winning goal, but did not dress in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Head coach Guy Carbonneau told reporters that if Koivu can put his foot into a skate boot without pain once the playoffs begin, then he could decide to play on his own.
"He's someone with a lot of experience, he's a leader, he's our captain and he's played in big games internationally," said Carbonneau. "We'll definitely miss him the rest of the regular season. Hopefully, he'll be able to play once the playoffs come."
The team got some better news on Monday as they learned that defenceman Mark Streit showed improvement over the weekend and should play on Tuesday in Ottawa. Streit also hurt his foot blocking a shot on Friday, but stayed in the game and tallied three assists. The Swiss blueliner, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, has split the season between defence and left wing and is third in team scoring with 58 points.
Forward Guillaume Latendresse, who has missed four games with a neck injury, practiced Monday and should be also available for Tuesday.
Defenceman Francis Bouillon, who has played in 74 games this season, blocked a shot late in Saturday's game and spent the rest of the night on the bench. He had his right ankle examined by a doctor on Monday and will not play Tuesday in Ottawa.
Finally, defenceman Mike Komisarek skated with the team on Monday and is expected to be back for the playoffs.
The Canadiens' next game is Tuesday night in Ottawa and the team can clinch first place in the Northeast Division with a single point.
Forward Alex Kovalev, who leads the team with 34 goals and 81 points, believes the rest of the lineup, namely the younger players, can step up to the challenge.
"That's what is good about it, having a young team, because there are a lot of young, fresh legs you can put in," he told reporters over the weekend. "They work hard. This is their opportunity. They have to use it.""
 SnoKing · Tue Apr 01, 2008 @ 09:17pm · 0 Comments |
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