Two Dallas Stars’ players facing injury problems at the 2011 IIHF World Championships
Dallas Stars’ two Swedish players, Loui Eriksson and Nicklas Grossman, have experienced a lot during the past season. Though there was major disappointment since Stars wasn’t able to make it to the playoffs, Dallas still managed to end the season tied for
most points for a team with 95 points.
The team and both these two players’ frustration have gone off to a new level, especially after the fact that they sustained minor injuries at the 2011 IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) World Championships.
Grossman’s injury problems had been going on during the regular season with Dallas due to which he missed 23 games. This was after the knee ligament injury he sustained during the overtime loss against Philadelphia Flyers.
Even though Grossman tried to recover, he was unable to make his way back into the team on a regular basis as Minnesota Wild knocked Dallas Stars out of the playoffs on the last day.
Grossman again faces some injury problems as his knee seemed to be troubling him in Sweden’s win against Austria. Due to the injury, he also missed Sweden’s next game against USA.
Eriksson, on the other hand, has been part of the Stars’ team and the Swedish team for quite some time and shown his importance in both teams.
Being one of the productive players in both the teams, he has scored two goals and an assist so far in the series. The last game saw him coming across a groin injury but he and the team are hopeful that he would return.
His return is more than important as Sweden begins its medal qualification round, facing the French and then the Swiss.
"It's much better than expected", team doctor, Peter Strom, said. "But groin injuries are tricky, and we have to be aware of that uncertainty. It's better to be safe than sorry to make sure he doesn't aggravate the injury. A day's rest can work wonders".
There was another one of Stars’ player who was expected to play for Sweden but he missed his chance due as he had injured his shoulder.
Eriksson and Grossman are part of a Swedish team that gives them immense central role and a young team to play with. Sweden has brought this change as it vows to approach the World Championships aggressively and looks to win.
"It's an up-tempo style that's demanding but pretty fun to play", Eriksson said prior to the start of the tournament. "I think it's well-suited to the way I play -- pressure the puck and play with a lot of support. It's an aggressive system".
The question that arises here is whether or not Sweden will be able to qualify for the medal rounds if Eriksson and Grossman are not available. However, it’s for sure that if both these players play then Sweden has the potential to turn a game around within
a matter of seconds.
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