Thoreson gets to keep 'em both

Phew. Patrick Thoreson, who blocked a shot with his groin in yesterday's game, learned today that he won't need surgery to remove one of his testicles. Flyers GM Paul Holmgren reported yesterday that there was a chance that Thoreson would need one removed, but after being taken to the hospital and going through tests, Thoreson's groin is sore and swollen, but not severely damaged. Thoreson considers himself lucky, saying that the "puck could have hit me worse in that midsection area or hit me in the face." I think I would much rather take a puck to the face than down there.

There is still a chance Thoreson suits up for Game 2 against the Capitals. As long as the swelling goes down and he can skate without pain, he feels like he will be able to play. Hopefully Thoreson doesn't rush back to the ice, considering the Capitals will likely target that area with their sticks any time he's on the ice.

Hockey players are insanely tough. In any other sport, if a player got this type of injury, they would be out for weeks. Just the fact that Thoreson is considering playing tomorrow tells you just how resilient he is. Let's just hope he wears a cup.