Chris Pronger

The NHL is one of the most physical, fast paced sports out there. The physicality, among just about every other thing about hockey, is why we love the game. 

While the nature of the game does create entertainment, it also results in numerous injuries; an issue that has really taken light this season.  

But why is this the season that it's getting attention? Injuries happen every year. 

Well, maybe I spoke too soon when I said things couldn't get much worse for the Flyers. 

During the first period in Saturday's beatdown that the Bruins handed to the Flyers, rookie Sean Couturier was hit by a puck in what appeared to be his left ear. Although he wears a shield on his helmet, Sean was on the ice for several minutes before being escorted off the ice.

With word that Philadelphia's captain Chris Pronger is out for the rest of the season, the focus now turns to Claude Giroux and what will become of the future superstar.

Claude was accidentally kneed in the back of the head by his teammate Wayne Simmonds a few games back, and hasn't been feeling right ever since. There is still hope that he will return this season, but the longer he's out of the lineup, the less and less likely it will be that he sees ice time again this year.

How many more NHL stars need to land on the infirmary report before the NHL takes action?

One of the greatest series in sports programming meets a classic game, which then shakes the hand of a pop song that the state of Pennsylvania is mad for. 

The hockey world is abuzz with anticipation of the 2012 Winter Classic that will see the Philadelphia Flyers squaring off against the New York Rangers at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. 

Yesterday, reports surfaced out of the Philadelphia Flyers camp that their captain Chris Pronger would be out for the rest of the season, including the playoffs.

With the Flyers showing signs that they can compete for the Lord Stanley's Cup this year, this news has many Broad Street Bullies' fans worried.

However, their concern should not only be about their All-Star defender's season, but his career as well.

On Friday, Philadelphia Flyers General Manager Paul Holmgren officially revealed what’s been bothering team Captain Chris Pronger in addition to his knee problems.

“While Chris’s knee is improving, he has struggled with other issues that are concussion-like symptoms. Chris will see Dr. Joe Maroon and Dr. Mickey Collins on Wednesday, December 14th in Pittsburgh for further evaluation. Chris will be out indefinitely.”

Well, for the Philadelphia Flyers, there's good news and bad news.

As reported by Philly general manager Paul Holmgren on the Flyers' official website, hard-nosed veteran defenseman Chris Pronger's knee is improving. The bad news is that the Philadelphia captain has also been suffering from concussion-like symptoms.

The NHL, more than ever with its new rule restrictions, is full of dirty plays. 

Brendan Shanahan has done his job in really enforcing these rules and handing down steep but acceptable punishments.

Here is a list of the five dirtiest players in today's NHL, and in turn, the players that can expect a call from Shanahan the most often.

As always, feel free to comment about what players you think should be included on this list. I am always interested in hearing other people's opinions. 

In case you haven't heard; Flyers GM Paul Holmgren announced today that Chris Pronger will be the Flyers' Captain for the 2011-2012 season.