Just when it seemed like the news couldn't get any worse for the Edmonton Oilers, it did.
In a harmless-looking play along the end boards in the second period, defenceman Ladislav Smid caught his hand between himself and the boards, broke it and is out for the year.
"He just jammed his hand in around the boards," saidhead coach Craig MacTavish. "He got it in an awkward spot and snapped it."
Smid couldn't even pick his glove up as he left the ice. He remained on the bench for a few moments, to see if the pain was only temporary, then, realizing it was serious, left for the dressing room with trainer Ken Lowe.
"The initial response that I got is that he's going to need surgery," said MacTavish.
Denis Grebeshkov and Sheldon Souray ate up the bulk of Smid's minutes, playing 26:42 and 27:52 respectively. Theo Peckham will draw in for the rematch with Anaheim.
ROBERT.TYCHKOWSKI@SUNMEDIA.CA
