Contrary to previous reports, Tavares will not be returning to the United States on Thursday, rather, he has been given permission by the Islanders to remain in Sochi through the end of the Olympic Games to participate in the medals presentation should the heavily favored Canadian team reach the podium.
A more complete evaluation of Tavares' knee will be undertaken upon his arrival from Russia, and the options available to him and the Islanders at that point range from rest to surgery, depending on the severity of the tears - regardless, his season is over, as are the chances of the Isles climbing back into playoff contention.
"You feel for him as a friend, as a teammate and, quite honestly, as a Canadian," defenseman Travis Hamonic, Tavares' teammate on both the Canadian team and the Islanders said on Wednesday. "Johnny is one of the best players our country has and he was relied upon a lot for that team. He's given a lot of himself for Canada in a lot of tournaments. It's just terrible."
Tavares ranks third in the NHL in points with 66, his 24 goals and 42 helpers tops on the Islanders who are bringing up the rear in the Metropolitan Division with a paltry 52 points, a full 14 points behind current Eastern Conference eighth seed Detroit with 22 games to play.
http://www.sportsinjuryalert.com/2014/02/tavares-update-islanders-captain-done.html
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