New York Islanders fans are probably still swearing somewhere — the team’s star player, John Tavares, is now sidelined from this year’s NHL season after sustaining a knee injury in an Olympic hockey game against Latvia Feb. 19.
Tavares was awkwardly hit by Latvian defenseman Arturs Kulda during the second period of Canada’s 2-1 win over Latvia, resulting in a torn MCL and meniscus in his left knee. He may need surgery to repair the injury, TSN reports.
The 23-year-old centre was pinned against the boards, fell and limped to the dressing room after the hit. Recovery time is estimated to span the rest of the season.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Islanders and Team Canada supporters – Tavares entered the tournament with 66 points in 59 NHL games, third in the league in points.
Tavares was scoreless in all four Team Canada games but had shown promising chemistry with Boston Bruin forward Patrice Bergeron.
