The season has yet to begun and the New York Islanders may already be dealing with a devastating injury.
New York Newsday is reporting that Isles' All-Star defenceman Mark Streit left the ice clutching his left shoulder after receiving a cross-check from teammate Matt Moulson in a team scrimmage Saturday morning. He was seen later in the hallway leading to the dressing room with his arm in a sling.
Following practice, Islanders head coach Scott Gordon confirmed that the Swiss blueliner had sustained a shoulder injury; however he was uncertain of the severity of the injury. Gordon said that Streit would be re-evaluated later this weekend and that the team would know more on Sunday or Monday at the latest.
Gordon did say it would be an enormous loss if the 32-year old were to miss any significant time.
"He's an important guy for us," Gordon told Newsday.
Streit has been stellar for the Islanders since signing a five-year, $20.5 million contract in 2008. He had 11 goals and 38 assists in 82 games with the Islanders last season while quarterbacking the team's top power-play unit.
