NHL Playoffs 2012: Daniel Alfredsson Needs to Sit out If He Has a Concussion

Okay, so I am completely confused here.  According to a Fox Sports.com article from April 16th,

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"Daniel Alfredsson has confirmed he sustained a concussion in Game 2 of Ottawa's playoff series with New York when Rangers forward Carl Hagelin elbowed him in the head. However, the Senators captain participated in Monday's morning skate and said he's a game-time decision for Game 3 at night."

 

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Then, on April 17th Pat Leonard of the Daily News reported that,

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"Ottawa’s captain did not play in Game 3 after suffering a setback between Monday morning’s skate and the game that night, coach Paul MacLean confirmed."

 

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Alfredsson did not skate with the team at Scotiabank Place this morning, but MacLean has yet to reveal his lineup for the night and was stated in a New York Times article earlier today by Jeff Z. Klein that, 

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“There’s no update” (in reference to Alfredsson's status).

 

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So if there is no update, then why isn't MacLean revealing his lineup?

I just don't understand why the Senators are being so evasive.  It doesn't make much sense.  

And if he is concussed then why on earth would he be made a game-time decision?  I think we have all seen what happens to players when they rush back from a concussion—especially given Alfredsson's history with this issue.

Lastly, according to the NHL.com official website on Monday, Alfredsson told the press in regards to Game 3,

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"We'll see -- we'll decide at game time if I'm playing or not.  I have felt better. [Sunday] was better than Saturday. Bike ride yesterday -- I felt pretty good throughout the day … was active at home with the kids … felt pretty good this morning. Next step obviously is to skate today, which I did this morning, and we'll see what happens."

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My only question is, who goes for bike rides if they really suffered from a concussion the day prior?

Could it be that perhaps the setback he suffered was because (if he did in fact have a concussion), he shouldn't have been going for bike rides and being active with his kids so soon after?  He really should know better if that is the case.

Something just doesn't add up.  I just hope that if he is still suffering that both himself and the Senators coaching staff allow him to rest and heal accordingly.  

Playoffs or not, health should always come first.