The Vancouver Canucks received the news they were hoping they weren't going to hear; Manny Malhotra's season is over.
The club announced that it was determined through consultation with team doctors and specialists that Malhotra would not return to the lineup for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.
Malhotra was injured against the Colorado Avalanche last week when a pass deflected off the stick of defenceman Erik Johnson into his eye. He needed surgery that night and questions remain about the long-term quality of his vision.
"Manny was really a huge part of our team, not just for what he did on the ice but for what he brought in the dressing room," Vigneault said Saturday. "I think to some extent that this could be a good rallying point for the guys. Obviously, he's not here right now and we have to find a way -- like we've found all year long when we've had guys that have been out -- to continue to win."
