Kariya Gets His Riding Orders

Paul Kariya continues to recover slowly from post-concussion syndrome, and his return to the lineup by the end of the regular season remains a longshot.

But Kariya, who was injured when he was cross-checked in the jaw Feb. 1 by Chicago Blackhawk defenseman Gary Suter, has resumed light physical activity this week. The team’s medical staff has cleared him to ride an exercise bicycle for short periods.

He still suffers from headaches and dizziness--symptoms that have been present for more than five weeks. Doctors now say they want him to be free of any symptoms for at least one month before clearing him to play.

Under the best-case scenario, it would mean Kariya couldn’t return until two weeks remained in the season.

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Goaltender Guy Hebert’s return to the ice also remains uncertain, but team doctor Ronald Glousman believes Hebert is suffering from sore muscles in his right shoulder rather than damaged ligaments.

Hebert aggravated the injury, originally suffered well before the Olympic break last month, during Sunday’s 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. He did not dress for the second consecutive game Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs.