Devils’ Patrik Elias, captain of Czech Olympic team, placed on injured list with concussion

Devils’ winger, Czech captain Elias has concussion

PRAGUE — Czech Republic captain Patrik Elias should recover in time for the Vancouver Olympics despite being put on the injured list by the New Jersey Devils because of a concussion.

Czech team spokesman Pavel Barta said Wednesday that Elias’ condition was “hopeful,” adding “we hope the problem isn’t serious.”

The left wing was hurt Saturday when he was checked by Colorado’s Ryan Wilson. The defenseman’s shoulder hit Elias’ chin on the play.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello announced the move Tuesday, saying that Elias was examined by a neurologist and will be seen again this week.

“From what we know, he should be back soon,” Barta said. “The prognosis is that he will skip just one game.”

A statement in Czech posted Wednesday on Elias’ Web site said the initial examination showed no serious injury except a slight concussion. It said Elias was resting at home.

Elias’s medical check at the end of the week will determine when he would be able to return to the team, the statement said.

The Czechs will face Russia, Latvia and Slovakia in the group stage of the Olympic tournament.

Elias, who has 10 goals in 32 games this season, and former NHL star Jaromir Jagr are among the stars on the Czech Olympic team.

The Czechs won the gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Olympics and defeated Russia to win the bronze medal at the 2006 Turin Olympics.