Jordan Staal To Miss Remainer Of Series Against The Montreal Canadiens

TSN is reporting that Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal will miss the remainder of the series against the Montreal Canadiens.

Staal—who was injured in game one of the Pittsburgh Penguins/Montreal Canadiens Eastern Conference semifinal, underwent surgery last night to repair a severed tendon across the top of his right foot.

It is unclear whether or not Staal would be available to play in the next round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but it is widely believed that he could heal in time for the Eastern Conference Finals, should the Penguins make it that far.

Penguins super-star Sidney Crosby was also injured in Game One when he was cut by being high-sticked by Canadiens' forward Dominic Moore. Crosby received a few stitches to his chin and returned to the game. He is not expected to miss any time in the series.

Last night’s game also saw Montreal defenseman Andrei Markov fall victim to a vicious, yet clean hit, from Penguins' pugilist Matt Cooke. Markov, who has registered 22 points in 26 career games against the Penguins, looked to have injured his shoulder at first but it was later revealed that it was a “lower body injury”, most likely a knee or ankle injury—both of which are tough to recover from.

At this point it is unclear whether or not Markov will play in Game Two of the series or beyond. One thing is for certain, the Canadiens struggled without Markov in the lineup at the beginning of the season, if he is out for any length of time the Canadiens' chances against the Penguins will suffer.

For more NHL news and notes check out my website at

www.theslapshot.com

***Also, check out Louis Pisano (fellow BR writer) and I, Mark “The Hard Hitter" Ritter Tonight— SATURDAY, MAY 31ST at 6:00 PM through 7:00 PM EST— we will be throwing down our hockey podcast “GET THE PUCK OUT" at

www.morencysports.com

Check out our picks for tonight's games, highlight's from this afternoon, some Ovechkin thoughts, injury reports, next weeks games, more playoff talk, and venting all the rage we have built up!!! Bring your comments, questions and insight.

Give us a call (toll free) at 1-866-964-5710—let’s talk some puck!

Until next time,

Peace!