Blackhawks’ Dan Carcillo done for season due to ACL surgery, wicked case of karma
The Chicago Blackhawks announced the inevitable on Friday: Winger Dan Carcillo is done for the 2011-12 season because of an ACL injury.
OK, a self-inflicted ACL injury, suffered in a successful attempt to injure Tom Gilbert of the Edmonton Oilers back on Jan. 2:
For this act, Carcillo was suspended seven games by the NHL, a suspension that ends on Sunday. Gilbert will be out until after the All-Star break with his knee injury.
From Chicago Blackhawks Head Team Physician Dr. Michael Terry:
"Daniel Carcillo will undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery on Tuesday, Jan. 17. This decision was made today after much evaluation and consideration of various options. We anticipate a full return in six months."
Carcillo, 26, has recorded 11 points (2G, 9A), 82 penalty minutes and a +10 plus/minus rating in 28 regular-season tilts this year, his first season with the Blackhawks. Over parts of five National Hockey League seasons with Phoenix (2006-09), Philadelphia (2009-11) and Chicago, the King City, Ontario, native has registered 84 points (38G, 46A) and 1,068 penalty minutes in 310 regular-season tilts, and 11 points (5G, 6A) and a +6 rating in 33 Stanley Cup Playoffs contests.
The existence of karma and just desserts having been confirmed, the big mystery is now whether Carcillo has played his last game as a Blackhawk. He was on a 1-year contract, making $775,000.
Earlier this season, Carcillo played well on a line with Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa. In the three of the four games leading up to his suspension, his ice time had dropped to under 10 minutes.
Well, at the very least he'll have more time for his rock radio show. But we won't see him in the playoffs against Vancouver. And that makes us sad.
