By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 20, 2011
Pavel Kubina on Friday said he still hopes to play in the playoffs. But the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman, out six games with concussion-like symptoms, did not deny he still has headaches, is still not skating and still cannot watch games from the press box because of the sensory overload.
"I always watch the games (from the coaches' offices)," Kubina said. "I can't even go watch from the press box. It's too loud and too many lights. It's hard but it's something I can't do anything about."
Kubina had not spoken publicly since May 3, four days after he took an elbow to the back of the head from Washington's Jason Chimera in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal and his head hit the glass.
Kubina, who did not travel with the team to Boston for Games 1 and 2 of the East final, said he is doing light workouts with the medical staff and added, "I hope I'm going to be able to play in these playoffs."
Asked about a reasonable timetable he said, "I can't answer that. I really don't know. Nobody knows."
What he does know is this is one of the most difficult times of his career.
"It's very tough to watch the guys play and you're not able to do anything," said Kubina, who in July signed a two-year, free-agent deal. "When I came here in the summer, I was so happy. I knew we were a good enough team to make the playoffs. When we made it I was so happy … and this happened. I've never had a problem like that. I never missed much time. It's difficult. Hopefully, the guys can get it done."