The news last night wasn’t good and it didn’t get any better Sunday after an optional skate for the Dallas Stars in Frisco, TX.
Kari Lehtonen was not seen on the ice, as expected, and Lindy Ruff told media it is a head injury, and that it’s a day-to-day thing right now.
Lindy Ruff said Kari Lehtonen not doing well today, they’ll take it day by day. Calling it head injury.
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) March 9, 2014
So like an insurance policy you took out on your house right before it burned down, the Stars now turn to Tim Thomas, who was acquired be a strengthening element in the goaltending area. A strong duo was to see them to the playoffs. Now he’ll be relied upon instantly to be the guy.
The good news is that he’ll be comfortable in that role. Having this conversation with Dan Ellis, and Cristopher Nihlstorp as the backup, would have been many degrees of discomfort greater. That much is certain.
Still, the lack of specifics leaves it wide open. It could be a couple of games. It could be for the rest of the season. Some concussions are even worse. For Lindy to tell the media immediately last night and to use that word, and then to come out and say he’s just “not doing well” today”- That’s a frightening thing.
The Wild play tonight and not a peep about Erik Haula has anyone heard from the league, one way or the other.
Cristopher Nihlstorp has not yet officially been recalled. They could wait until the last possible second to make such a determination to avoid placing Lehtonen on injured reserve, though roster spots are available with only 12 forwards up.
