Column: Savard situation serves as reminder not to rush
At this point, the Bruins players and other skaters throughout the NHL should look at Savard with hope that he can make a comeback, and also with perspective that they could easily be in Savard’s shoes. It’s dangerous to return too soon from any injury, but when it comes to head ailments there should be no messing around. You never know, you might suffer a reoccurrence of the injury’s symptoms and have hundreds of people scream that you’re a faker.
For now, Savard is an example of what goes wrong when someone messes around with a concussion. For his and the Bruins’ sake, hopefully he turns into an example of a player that overcame a nagging case of post-concussion syndrome to make a triumphant return to elite NHL status.
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I know it’s pretty popular right now to bash Savard and accuse him of “faking” his PCS, but after watching the interview with him I have to wonder if PCS is only part of the problem and perhaps the bigger problem is the depression. As someone who has struggled with depression for years I know how mis-understood it is and how little sympathy someone who has it can get. If that is a major part of his problems right now I hope he is able to over-come it soon.
And well said, Matt. Great commentary.
Carmen, it’s sad for certain, but the NHL has a very tough protocol for allowing a player who’s suffered a concussion to play. They have to be symptom-free for a period of time and pass a battery of tests, both psychological and physical.
It’s not the doctors’ fault; as Savard said, it’s his OWN fault. He should have shut himself down, but he chose to continue to play, and did NOT inform the coaching staff or the doctors of his fatigue or any other symptoms.
Blame the hockey culture if you wish; as Marc said, he’s a hockey player, and hockey players play, no matter what. But don’t blame the doctors. Even the best doctors are not mind-readers.
It is inexcusable that a team doctor did not ensure Marc was ready to return. We have had sufficient science for at least 3 or 4 years to know better. Shame on whomever cleared him to play. Imagine how many young players have their lives ruined because of the “tough it out” mentality. It is sad to see him suffer even though he can be an important role modelc…far more important than whatever legacy he would left on the ice.