Injury notes: Edmonton’s Smid leaves Czech team, Minnesota’s Spurgeon recovering well
Dec 19, 2012, 1:14 PM EDT
A couple of injury notes to pass your way…
Smid back in Oil Country
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid has left Czech Extraliga team Liberec after sustaining a knee injury.
Smid, 26, returned to Edmonton to have the knee examined, though the Oilers made it clear Smid was looked at by local doctors, not the team’s medical staff.
The injury has been diagnosed as a sprain and there is talk Smid could return to the Czech Republic following the holiday break.
Smid had discovered an offensive flair prior to the injury. In 22 games for Liberec he scored 2G-12A-14PTS — solid production, considering his single-season high for points in the NHL is 15.
Spurgeon getting better
Minnesota Wild blueliner Jared Spurgeon is recovering well from a groin injury suffered while playing for the SCL Tigers of the Swiss League, the Minnesota Tribune-Review reports.
Spurgeon strained his groin in early December and quickly returned to North America to rehab. His agent, Eustace King, told the Tribune-Review that if NHL training camps opened on Jan. 1, Spurgeon would be close to being ready for action.
The 23-year-old rearguard also hasn’t ruled out a return to Switzerland, though his contract does expire in January.
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McLellan: Burish ‘very close,’ could be in Sharks lineup for Game 6
May 24, 2013, 4:28 PM EDT
He’s missed the entire series with a broken hand.
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Craig MacTavish has a few things he’d like in return.
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AP
“Hopefully, we’ll find that chemistry,” says Spezza.
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Preds continue to shake up staff, fire head athletic trainer
May 24, 2013, 3:14 PM EDT
Just a few days after turfing assistant coach Peter Horachek.
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Aside from, you know, facing elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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Chin up, rookie.
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Say hello to Curtis McElhinney.
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AP
Torts not expected to make any lineup changes.
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Rangers’ blueliner saw plenty of action in Game 4, though.
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Lightning say Lacroix won’t return as assistant coach next season
May 24, 2013, 1:12 PM EDT
He was Guy Boucher’s right-hand man, so no huge surprise.
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Pens’ Dupuis on Alfredsson remarks: I don’t see Crosby talking like that
May 24, 2013, 12:59 PM EDT
The postgame comment that just won’t go away.
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AP
The Red Wings’ star may go back to Russia after next season.
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Back in Vegas next year.
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Rare criticism for the Blackhawks’ captain.
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SKA Saint Petersburg would be the club.
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AP
“(He’s) a hell of a hockey player.”
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He’s excited about the Avalanche’s future, but he also has other considerations.
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The match will start at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Friday’s collection of links.
