Slovakian men hurting as hockey tourney starts

[February 16, 2010]  VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) -- Slovakia may have to start the men's Olympic hockey tournament without three of its top offensive players.

Marian Gaborik, Marian Hossa and Miroslav Satan -- half of Slovakia's NHL forwards -- could miss Wednesday's opening game against rival Czech Republic after injuries kept them out of their final NHL games last weekend.

The biggest concern is Gaborik, who watched Monday night's practice in a T-shirt from the bench. He's still recovering from a deep cut on his thigh after a collision with New York Rangers' teammate -- and team Sweden's No.1 goalie -- Henrik Lundqvist in practice last Tuesday. He sat out Wednesday, only played six shifts and four minutes Friday and didn't play at all Sunday.

"Everything is depending, but up to now I would say that he should probably not play," head coach Jan Filc said of Gaborik, who leads the New York Rangers with 35 goals and 69 points.

Gaborik was a big part of the Slovaks' 5-0 run to start the 2006 Turin Games before losing to the Czech Republic in the first playoff game.

"Gabby just needs time," said Pavol Demitra, a friend, former NHL teammate and Gaborik's Olympic roommate. "Hopefully, he's going to feel better and start the first game. Every single game is very important to grab points, especially against the Czech Republic, always a huge rivalry."

Hossa also was still hoping to play Wednesday. He still needs medical clearance after a hard hit knocked him out of the Chicago Blackhawks' game on Saturday.

"I felt a little but blurry, but I remember everything that happened and went back to the dressing room on my own legs," Hossa said. "There was no heavy headaches, no throwing up."

He was only supposed to skate 25 minutes Monday as part of neurological testing but stayed out for the full hour.

"Obviously, I didn't push myself hard. If I feel good in next hour that's a good sign," he said. "If I pass the test and have a good practice (Tuesday) I'll be cleared to play, and if not I will have to wait."

Satan, who has three goals and six points in 18 games after signing with the Boston Bruins in January, was hurt in a game against Tampa Bay on Thursday and did not play Saturday. He practiced Monday, but his hand is heavily bandaged after the end of his own stick was driven into his palm by a hit.

"I'm out there, but it's not sure if I can play," Satan said.

[Associated Press]

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