Penguins' Vokoun sidelined indefinitely
Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tomas Vokoun had a blood clot removed on Saturday and it's uncertain when he will return to the ice.
Vokoun discovered swelling on his thigh during a Saturday practice at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh before the Penguins played the Columbus Blue Jackets later that evening. He was taken to an emergency room and underwent a procedure to dissolve the clot.
"The most important thing right now is Tomas' health and well-being," Penguins general manager Ray Shero said. "The clot was dissolved by the procedure and the doctors tell us that he will remain in the hospital for several days. We will continue to monitor his progress after that."
The 37-year-old Vokoun joined the Penguins last season and played in 20 regular-season games as Marc-Andre Fleury's backup. The veteran also stepped in during the playoffs when Fleury struggled and he helped the Penguins reach the Eastern Conference finals.
Vokoun finished the 2012-13 regular season with a 13-4-0 record, a .919 save percentage and 2.45 goals-against average for the Penguins. In 11 postseason games, he had a 2.01 GAA and a .933 save percentage.
Vokoun also dealt with blood clots in 2006.
Jeff Zatkoff will step into Vokoun's role until he returns. Fleury is still expected to be the Penguins' No. 1 goalie this season.
