Morrow tears knee ligament, likely is lost for the season

Last update: November 21, 2008 - 11:32 PM

A season of adversity became worse Friday when the Dallas Stars learned that captain Brenden Morrow, right, needs surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will miss at least six months.

The injury probably will keep Morrow off the ice for the remainder of the season.

"It adds to what has already been a frustrating season, but we have to pull together and face the adversity and overcome it," coach Dave Tippett said. "This will test the strength of our group."

Morrow was trying to make a hit in the third period against Chicago on Thursday night, when he caught the edge of his skate in a rut on the ice and fell awkwardly, Tippett said. The injury initially wasn't considered serious, but tests Friday afternoon revealed the tear.

Morrow, 29, led the Stars in goals last season with 32. He has five goals and 10 assists this season.

Friday's Games

• TAMPA BAY 4, NASHVILLE 1: Vincent Lecavalier had two goals to help Tampa Bay interim coach Rick Tocchet get his first NHL victory in the Lightning's home victory over the Predators. Mark Recchi and Vinny Prospal also scored for the Lightning.

• ST. LOUIS 3, ANAHEIM 2 (OT): Lee Stempniak scored an unassisted goal with 2:21 left in overtime, giving the Blues a home victory over Anaheim.

• BOSTON 4, FLORIDA 2: Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron had a goal and an assist each to lead the Bruins to a home victory over Florida that tied Boston for the Eastern Conference lead.

• CAROLINA 5, PHOENIX 2: Eric Staal scored three goals in less than 24 minutes in Carolina's home victory, completing his fifth career hat trick.

• NEW JERSEY 5, N.Y. ISLANDERS 2: David Clarkson and Travis Zajac scored 10 seconds apart in the first period for host New Jersey, and Kevin Weekes made 25 saves in his 100th NHL victory.

• PHILADELPHIA 3, SABRES 0: Martin Biron made 40 saves against his former team for his first shutout of the season and 24th overall, and Jeff Carter scored twice for Philadelphia at home.

FROM NEWS SERVICES