NHL Playoff Injury Report: Sean Avery's Ruptured Spleen, Mad Max's Broken Foot

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reported Wednesday that Penguins' center Maxime Talbot may have broken his foot during game three of the Penguins’ playoff series against the New York Rangers.

Talbot showed up for the team's practice Wednesday morning at Madison Square Garden, wearing a walking boot on his foot.

Team officials declined to discuss the nature or severity of the injury. When asked if he expects to be able to play again, Mad Max responded, "I hope so."

Talbot logged a lot of ice time on the penalty kill during game three for the Pens, and that was most likely when he sustained the injury in question.

Many believe that Talbot sustained the injury while blocking a shot off of his foot.

If Talbot is unable to suit up for game four on Thursday night, fellow Penguins' Kris Beech, Jeff Taffe, and Gary Roberts will be waiting in the wings to get the nod from Head Coach Michel Therrien.

Neither Taffe nor Beech have played a game during the playoffs, and winger Gary Roberts has been sidelined with a groin injury since game two of the Penguins' first round series against the Senators.

The New York Rangers received some grim news on Wednesday as well. Left winger Sean Avery ruptured his spleen during game three on Tuesday night and has been ruled out for the remainder of the playoff.

He is, however, expected to make a full recovery. Love him or hate him, Avery brings an element to the game that not many players bring.

In other injury news, the Philadelphia Flyers' veteran forward Mike Knuble is expected to play Wednesday night against the Montreal Canadiens.

Knuble has been sidelined since he sustained a slight tear to his hamstring during game five of the Flyers' first round series against the Washington Capitals.

Knuble's return puts Flyers coach John Stevens in a tight spot. R.J. Umberger has replaced Knuble on the team's second line, scoring four of the Flyers' 10 goals in the series.

Umberger will most likely be moved down the depth chart onto the third line when Knuble returns tonight.