Mottau out 4-6 weeks with eye injury
New York Islanders Mike Mottau drops to his knees and covers his face after suffering an injury. (Nov. 21, 2010) Credit: MCT
According to a team source, the Islanders expect defenseman Mike Mottau to miss four to six weeks with an injured right eye.
Mottau met with team doctors Wednesday morning to assess the damage now that pressure and swelling has subsided.
Mottau, who was hit in the right eye with a shot during Sunday's 2-1 overtime loss in Atlanta, is suffering from hyphema-essentially blood in the eye.
After spending two nights in an Atlanta hospital, Mottau received the green light to fly home Tuesday. The pressure in his right eye has decreased significantly and although his vision remains blurry, he can recognize objects and colors.
Mottau will continue to meet with team doctors this week, after which they hope to have a more definitive timeline.
"It's obviously a huge loss when you lose a guy like Mike, not only from his play on the ice but also what he brings to the room as well as character and leadership," interim coach Jack Capuano said. "Fortunately, he's OK."
The 32-year-old veteran was struck in the eye with a shot from Zach Bogosian with 3:48 to play in the first period Sunday.
In 20 games for the Islanders this season, Mottau has had three assists.
Mottau join an Islanders defensive corps that has been injured Mark Streit (shoulder), Andrew MacDonald (hand), Milan Jurcina (hamstring) and Jack Hillen (concussion) are all on injured reserve.
Travis Hamonic, a 20-year-old defenseman, was recalled from Bridgeport Tuesday to replace Mottau in the lineup. The 6-2, 208-pound defenseman, selected in the second round of the 2008 draft, had two goals and five assists in 19 games for the Sound Tigers this season.
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