Pavelec Released From Hospital, Tavares Cleared

  Good news has finally been handed down through the NHL as goaltender Ondrej Pavelec was released from the hospital on Sunday, and the concussed star Islander. John Tavares, has been cleared medically to play as of Tuesday.

  Pavelec’s two-day stay in the hospital revealed a concussion due to a fainting spell during the season opener in Atlanta on Friday just over two minutes into the game. His backward fall was met with great impact on the back of his helmet, which doesn’t offer much protection.My previous article, including the video, can be found here; Pavelec In Stable Condition After He Collapses.

  Fainting can be quite common, and can be due to a whole host of reasons. Standing for long periods of time, standing too quickly, or stress can be some of the factors involving fainting. The Concussion is not too serious, but the impact was quite hard and the fall was not broken. Injuries stemming from fainting became very obvious in the 23 year-old’s case.

"I want to thank all the doctors, trainers and emergency personnel who took such good care of me," Pavelec said in a statement Monday. "I would also like to thank my teammates, all the fans and everyone in the hockey community who have reached out to me and offered their support and well-wishes over the last few days. I hope to be back in action as soon as possible."

  Thankfully the young netminder is well, and no serious problems have been found. As a precaution Pavelec will undergo a further battery of tests ranging from genetic blood screening to heart tests to ensure he is fit to continue playing once his concussion has worked its way out of his system.

  Pavelec is undoubtedly the future in net for the Thrashers after he went 14-18-7 last year in 42 games in his first full year up in the NHL. His GAA from last year was 3.29 and his save percentage was .906 with two shutouts. He had not yet seen a shot in the season opener, but is raring and ready to go as soon as he can.

  The Thrashers are lucky to have signed veteran goaltender Chris Mason during the off-season to back up their future net presence in Pavelec. Mason went 30-22-8 last year with a 3.08 GAA and .911 save percentage in 61 games with the St. Louis Blues. Mason didn’t expect to jump in quite so early, but the 34 year-old goaltender knows the ropes, and will do a great job in Pavelec’s absence.

  Another bit of good news trickled through Tuesday as 2009 1st overall pick John Tavares has been medically cleared to play Monday after he sustained a concussion in his season opener against the Dallas Stars on Saturday night.

  Tavares’ long-term future is priority, as mentioned in my previous article; Tavares Suffers Concussion In Season Opener. The Islanders organization must do their absolute best to protect his long-term status by not rushing him, or letting the 20 year-old rush himself. Garth Snow voiced this fact in a statement.

"Any kind of trauma that has even the hint of concussion, the second impact is usually the most concern," GM Garth Snow said. "We'll take our time. John has a long career ahead of him, so we'll do what is right for him and this organization."

  Concussions are no light matter, and surprisingly he was cleared to skate Tuesday and Wednesday on team practice and could be on the ice as soon as Friday. Despite the good sings and medical status, I would personally like to see him get some extra time for healing so I can watch him for a full season, and many years to come.

- Kendall Grubbs