Erik Karlsson had skates cut his Achilles tendon and he will be out for the season. This is not the way the Greek myth was drawn up, but the Ottawa Senators are down one of their most, if not the most important player in their team.
On Wednesday, the Senators' defenseman was sliced by Pittsburgh Penguins' Matt Cooke skate on his left Achilles tendon and he immediately went down in pain.
The Senators will now have to compete in the remainder of the 2013 season, that isn't even a month old, without a big piece of their game. Karlsson was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, but not only that, he was a valuable part on offense. Karlsson leads all defensemen in scoring with six goals.
Cooke has a history of suspensions for illegal hits on players. Many are wondering if this too was a dirty or illegal play. But what if it was Karlsson's fault that he got injured in that play?
Karlsson didn't have his cut resistant socks on as it's pointed out in the Detroit Red Wings' website. The Red Wings' right wing, Daniel Cleary stated he believes every player should have on their protective gear. "It's hard to Kevlar every part that's open, but shirts and socks should be worn and even guards for wrists," Cleary said. "Instead of a severed tendon, you'd probably get some stitches. It's like a bullet proof vest, it's going to hurt and probably leave a mark, just not as deep."
And suddenly, NHL fans have an idea of what a Kevlar sock's function. It's protective gear as Cleary mentions in the bullet proof vest analogy.
The sock isn't heavy, but some players have complained of sore ankles. Whatever the case is, it seems that the NHL will make a push for wearing the gear. Players should be motivated to wear the socks. It's smart and safe. Either that, or they can face season ending surgery and cost their teams a chance to compete in a shortened season.
For now, the Senators are dealing with this unfortunate injury very professionally. "The injury to Erik was unfortunate, and it happens on a nothing play that could've potentially been whistled down," said Senators head coach Paul MacLean.
Ottawa has some time to figure out a game plan as they aren't set to hit the ice until Saturday. They will face the Toronto Maple Leafs.
