Team USA won its opening game of the World Junior Championship, a 3-2 overtime decision over Finland Sunday night, but may have paid a heavy price.
Sources say Team USA winger Jeremy Morin, on loan from the Chicago Blackhawks' AHL farm team in Rockford, apparently suffered a shoulder injury that could be significant.
Team USA officials refused to comment on the severity of the injury but there are unconfirmed reports Morin may be finished for the duration of the tournament.
Another source said it's too early to determine the extent and severity of the injury and that it will be Monday before there's a precise diagnosis.
In any case, injuries are the emerging story line in the wake of the Americans' victory.
Team USA centre Brock Nelson, a New York Islander first round pick, also suffered an apparent upper body injury in the third period when he was taken hard into the boards by a Finnish player.
Nelson left the ice favoring what appeared to be his left arm or shoulder, skated off the ice and proceeded directly to the Team USA dressing room. He did not return.