Broken leg sidelines Blake indefinitely
Associated Press
2/10/2004
DENVER (AP) - Colorado Avalanche defenceman Rob Blake has broken his left leg and will be out indefinitely.
Blake says he's not sure when it happened, but he thinks it may have been caused by a shot he stopped.
``Rob underwent medical testing yesterday, confirming that he has a hairline fracture in his lower left leg, which will result in him being out for an indefinite period of time,'' said Head Athletic Trainer Pat Karns. ``This time missed will allow for the leg to completely heal."
``I'm a little surprised just because I was playing on it and getting some things done on it,'' Blake said before Colorado's game against the New York Islanders. ``It wasn't getting any better. It was getting worse and worse, so it was time to get it looked at.''
The veteran all-star ranks second among NHL defencemen with 40 points, behind only Washington's Sergei Gonchar, and he is tied for third with 11 goals.
``He's definitely having a Norris-type season,'' teammate Adam Foote said. ``He's doing it all. He's getting points. He's coming up with big hits, big plays at the right time. He's been there every night for us.''
The Avalanche called up defenceman Brett Clark from the minors to fill Blake's roster spot. Clark has eight goals and 16 assists in 50 games with the Hershey Bears.
Cheers,
Aquaman