“Everybody cries, Everybody hurts sometimes.” - REM

If you don’t think hockey takes a toll on a person’s body, just take a look at the big name players that are injured right now over at TSN.ca. The list is massive and includes some big name players like Crosby, Foote, Sundin, Draper, and many more.

However, teams like Detroit and Pittsburgh have shown little ill effect from their numerous injuries to marquee players. The Penguins’ success rate without Crosby is actually a novel stat that shows how their team can deal with such a big loss. While watching from the press box, Sid has seen his team skate to a 12-6-4 record. Detroit, besides that anomaly of a losing streak in February, haven’t really missed their injured players, skating to an eighth straight 100 point season.

Also, take a look at the Colorado Avalanche. Earlier this season Smyth, Sakic, and Stastny were all out of the lineup at once. The Avalanche still kept their playoff hopes alive thanks to tremendous play from rookies like Cody McLeod, T.J. Hensick, and others.

With the injury bug infecting so many locker rooms across the league, this is the time of year that depth is a must. Granted, all these players will come back at some point, but so many things are up for grabs right now. Playoff spots. Home ice advantage. Matchups. With the first liners out, the playoff picture is left up to the grinders and the rookies. So, cheer up Sid. Everybody hurts, but you’re not alone. (Thank you Mr. Stipe)