Tuesday afternoon notes: Injuries the story again around the NHL

What is it with injuries these days? It seems like concussions and other long-term issues are hobbling players left & right. The NHL doesn't provide easy-to-access stats on such things, but it would be interesting to compare the quantity of man-games lost, particularly to star players, with previous seasons.

This afternoon we not only have discussion of Shea Weber's concussion, but news of a Toronto Maple Leaf who has recently suffered one, along with updates on other key figures around the league who are on the mend.

After-Christmas Hockey Sales Offer Huge Savings | Hockey Gear HQ
If you got some Christmas cash this year and are looking for hockey gear, there are a number of great sales going on which you should jump on before they disappear.

Nashville Predators News

Smashville 24/7: Trotz, others react to Weber’s concussion
Ryan got reaction from a few teammates to the Weber news.

Rookie Defensemen Up to Task In Spite of Loss | PuckScene.com
Patten waxes optimistic about the ability of the young blueliners to get the job done. Smithson's thoughts on the subject appear, well, a bit odd. If the rookies have played enough so that "there's nothing new for them", then how can every day be a "learning day"?

REALIGNMENT: People Are Talking, pt 1 - Predlines
Dan gets input from around Calgary and Seattle on what realignment could mean down the road.

Around the Wide Wide World of Hockey

Liles Out Indefinitely " Toronto Maple Leafs Hot Stove
The pride of Zionsville, Indiana is the latest member of the NHL's All-Concussion Team.

Silence Regarding Sidney Crosby's Health Leads to Unhealthy Speculation - PensBurgh
In Pittsburgh, they were teased with an 8-game return for Sidney Crosby, but he's been back on the shelf for 3 weeks now.

St. Louis plans to wear visor rest of career - Lightning Strikes | Tampa Bay Times
Martin St. Louis is the latest NHL veteran to wise up, after taking a puck to the face a few weeks back.

Spurgeon won't play in Nashville; two called up | StarTribune.com
After taking a hard hit in Minnesota's previous game, Jared Spurgeon is not expecting to play for the Wild against the Preds tomorrow night.

Rant answers: Jackets are terrible, Caps aren't much better - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN
Pierre LeBrun's mailbag includes the sorrowful wailing of a Columbus fan, discontent over ticket prices and an appreciation for the NHL's Christmas break.

Injury Concerns Overshadow Day One's Blowouts - Puck Worlds
The kids at the World Juniors are getting dinged up, too.

Mike Green skates with Capitals for first time since suffering groin strain - Capitals Insider - The Washington Post
The Caps defenseman has been out since November 11.