Curtis Lazar had one goal in seven games for the Vancouver Canucks before suffering an injury and not playing since the October 24th game against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 27-year-old, right shot centre from Salmon Arm, BC practised Thursday and said he’s ready to go.
“I feel good, we’ve checked all of the boxes and it’s in the coach’s hands now,” Lazar said, “I want to play, it’s been awhile, so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Tomorrow is today, with the LA Kings visiting the Canucks at Rogers Arena being the only game on the NHL calendar. The Kings record stands at 11-7-and-1, good for 2nd place in the Pacific Division, ten points ahead of the 7th place Canucks.
Pods Pucks
“She said, ‘you idiot’,” Canucks forward Vasily Podkolzin said after practice on Thursday, referring to what his wife thought of his fight five days ago against Boston Bruins forward A.J. Greer. “She’s probably right.”
“Pods” got cranked in the face by Greer, had to leave the game and get stitches. He didn’t return to the 5-2 loss on November 13th in Boston. He sported a black eye at practice and was forced to wear a full face shield, a reality he hopes doesn’t last long.
“I hate it, I think, actually,” Podkolzin stated, “it’s needed I hope for just one game and then I’m back to visor.”
Podkolzin’s Canucks teammates interpreted his fight and getting punched a bit differently.
“The game is about sacrifice, regardless, being physical, blocking shots,” Lazar said. “All those selfless acts go a long way, so, look at “Pods” for example, half the battle is just showing up, he did his job, it’s great for him, and that brings the guys closer together.”
Goalie Stretchered Off
Scott Wedgewood of the Dallas Stars was stretchered off the ice on Thursday night in Sunrise, Florida after injuring his back on a save against Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell during the second period. He stopped Lundell on a breakaway and then stopped a rebound attempt before falling down and clutching his back.
“He’s not in any danger,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer stated. “He’s coherent, all that stuff. I don’t know if he’s fine, but I think he’s OK.”
Muscular? Blown (herniated) disc? The latter can keep you from moving, standing, even sitting down depending on the severity.
The Stars led 5-2 at the time of his injury and went on to win the game 6-4 with Jake Oettinger finishing in net.
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