Chris Pronger out for Season: 3 Teams That Will Look to Take Advantage

Things just went from bad to worse in the City of Brotherly Love. Chris Pronger is going to miss the rest of the 2011-12 regular season and potential playoff games due to severe post-concussion syndrome.

Here is the official statement that was released by general manager Paul Holmgren on behalf of the Philadelphia Flyers.

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“After consultation with respected concussion specialists Dr. Joseph Maroon and  Dr. Micky Collins, it is the opinion of both doctors that Chris is suffering from severe post concussion syndrome.  

“It is the recommendation of doctors Maroon and Collins that Chris not return for the remainder of the 2011-12 season or playoffs. Chris will continue to receive treatment and therapy with the hope that he can get better.”

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This is terrible news for the Flyers, as star forward Claude Giroux is already sidelined indefinitely with a concussion of his own. This has been a terrible year for the league, as Pronger becomes the first player to be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a concussion.

The Flyers are a very talented team and will try and rebound for this ground-shattering news, but there are a few teams that will attempt to capitalize on their misfortune.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins are a team that also has stars sidelined due to concussions and concussion-based symptoms. With the Flyers reeling with the loss of their top defenseman and top forward, the Penguins have proved that they can continue be a dominant team sans Crosby.

The Penguins were without Crosby, Staal and Malkin at various points last season, but they found ways to win and finished with their best record in team history.

With the Flyers potentially having to add some players to bolster their defense, they may have to deal from some of their forward depth. However, it may be too soon to speculate, but Pronger is a huge player to lose for the Flyers.

The Penguins will do all they can to keep on winning so they can distance themselves from the Flyers in the Atlantic Division. 

Boston Bruins

The Flyers are one of the toughest rivals the Bruins have in the Eastern Conference standings. These losses in manpower for the Flyers are music to the defending cup champion's ears. The Bruins are going to try and gain as much ground in the standings as they can.

If the Flyers falter in the standings, the Bruins can hold onto the No. 1 seed as the Penguins and Rangers chase the Flyers for the division title. The Bruins are the defending Stanley Cup champions, and there is no reason why they should not be a strong contender again. 

These blows to the Flyers in no way eliminate their Stanley Cup chances, but only make the journey that much harder.

New York Rangers

Like the Penguins, the Rangers are nipping at the Flyers' heels. Last night, the world was introduced to the history and bitterness of the rivalry between the two teams. It is no secret how deep the hatred runs between the two cities. Right now, there are only five points separating the the two teams in the standings. 

The Rangers are also a banged-up team and have played pretty well with all things considered. With these recent injuries on both sides, the buildup and footage of HBO 24/7: Road to the Winter Classic will only enhance the rivalry between Broadway and Broad Street.

There is no reason for the Flyers to panic. However, I would expect Paul Holmgren to consider what is best for the Flyers. The Flyers already have a arsenal of young forwards who are still developing and a solid defense. However, if the Flyers want to make a deep run in the playoffs, adding a defenseman to substitute for Pronger could help their chances.

Hopefully, the NHL takes a look at the string of concussions and decides to take some action. It is really disheartening to hear about all the injury news, but hockey is a very physical sport, and the necessary precautions need to be addressed. 

Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.