Colorado forward Steve Moore is walking without help and expects to be released from a Denver hospital Tuesday, just two weeks after his neck was broken by Vancouver’s Todd Bertuzzi.
But when–or whether–he returns to the ice is unknown.
Team doctor Andrew Parker said Moore broke two vertebrae and that the nerves in his neck were stretched, but there was no paralysis or evidence of spinal cord trauma. “His overall recovery and progress is uncertain, including his ability to return to professional hockey,” Parker said.
The team said Moore continues to suffer from postconcussion symptoms and has significant amnesia since the attack March 8. Moore is expected to wear a neck brace for six to 12 weeks.
Dr. Venu Akuthota, director of the University of Colorado Spine Center, told the Denver Post that Moore’s full recovery partly will hinge on the concussion symptoms disappearing and the vertebrae healing properly. Sometimes, the neck can develop a new curvature from fractured vertebrae, he said, even after healing.
Roenick: Back Saturday
Jeremy Roenick said Monday he plans to return Saturday against the New York Rangers, the same team the Flyers played when he suffered a shattered jaw and concussion Feb. 12.
“That’s the game plan right now, until they tell me differently,” Roenick said.
Belak banished 8 games
The NHL suspended Wade Belak eight games for his two-handed chop to the face of Colorado defenseman Ossi Vaananen. The Toronto defenseman will miss the last six regular-season games and the first two postseason games.
Belak slashed Vaananen on Saturday night and was given a match penalty for attempt to injure. He is a repeat offender, having received a two-game suspension in November 2002 when he elbowed Washington defenseman Brendan Witt in the head.
“It was a little severe, I think,” Belak said. “I wasn’t expecting to walk away with less than three [games], but I thought no more than five. Getting six plus two, it’s kind of harsh.”
Messier suspended
Rangers captain Mark Messier was suspended for two games for spearing Pittsburgh defenseman Martin Strbak in Sunday’s 4-3 loss.
RESULTS, MONDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Phoenix 3 at Minnesota 2
Mike Comrie snapped Coyotes’ 15-game winless streak, scoring with 24.2 seconds left in OT. Goalie Brent Johnson got 1st win since trade from Blues. Coach Rick Bowness’ 1st win (1-7-3-3).
Dallas 4 at Calgary 0
Marty Turco made 29 saves in 21st career shutout, league-high 71st game of season. Shayne Corson scored 2, Jason Arnott and Brenden Morrow 1 apiece. Flames lost 2nd straight.
Edmonton 2 at Los Angeles 1
Ryan Smyth scored with 6:22 left to win it. L.A.’s Luc Robitaille’s became highest-scoring left wing in history with assist on Jozef Stumpel’s goal–his 1,370th point, 1 more than Johnny Bucyk.
