Evgeny Malkin.

Todd Bertuzzi.

Sergei Fedorov.

Wow!  The emergency rooms around hockey rinks are getting crowded. 

Thank God that my team has not played a real game yet!

This is something that put the fear in coaches throughout the game of hockey.  The point of preseason games is something that we all understand.  It is getting the players in game situations and evaluating which talent should be playing on the big club, in the case of the younger players; or in the case of the experienced players, the matter of whether or not a guy still has the tools and skiils to make it.

However, having guys at full speed knocking into each other, before a regular season game gets into the books will really give heartburn marketers and extra raise in their pay.  We have heard that Malkin left the arena in Halifax on his own power, and did not have a sling on his shoulder.  We hear that he will be ok, and will probably continue on to his Calder Trophy season.  But with all the hype that was put on him, it just is not the way to have is career start.

In the case of Columbus, this preseason has been nothing but disaster for President Doug Maclean, and head coach Gerrard Gallant.  First you have the Zherdev scenario (in my opinion - a loser!).  Then to see Sergei Fedorov, a man expecting a real good season, separate his shoulder, requiring him to sit out from four to six weeks.   Last season, a lot of good things were expected from the Jackets.  However, the injuries to Gilbert Brule, Rick Nash, and Radislav Klesla, caused them to struggle out the gate last season.  Missing two more offensive options to start another season, may be another big hole to dig out of.

In addition, but not directly related, 2006 1st round selection Derrick Brassard, was hit from behind in a QMJHL game recently, suffering a torn labrum.  Will this slow his progress?  Only time will tell.

Todd Bertuzzi, a story within itself, suffered bruised ribs, and is listed as day to day.  However, a slow down to fitness, is always a stumbling block for a player, especially when he is with a new team.  Even more, with Bertuzzi wanting to prove a great deal.

Preseason is always a time where you want to see what your team is made of.  However, a key player suffers a key injury a week before the season is to start, and the major word called momentum tends to bend and stretch the wrong way.

Islander fans - lets say our prayers and hope that this does not happen to us this weekend.

Gary