A Year After Suter’s Hit, Kariya as Strong as Ever

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Gary Suter’s brutal cross-check that sidelined Duck captain Paul Kariya for the final 28 games last season because of post-concussion syndrome.

Suter, who moved from the Chicago Blackhawks to the San Jose Sharks during the off-season, played one period of one game before a staph infection sidelined him for this season.

Meanwhile, Kariya has 20 goals and 62 points and hasn’t missed any of the Ducks’ 48 games. The headaches and other symptoms of his fourth concussion are but a distant memory for Kariya.

“Paul Kariya has become a better, more well-rounded player,” Duck goalie Guy Hebert said. “I don’t think he’s missed a beat. He’s as focused as ever. I think he worked incredibly hard this summer.”

Perhaps the biggest, most important part of Kariya’s off-season workout routine was paying particular attention to strengthening his neck muscles in an attempt to prevent further concussions.

Suter’s hit produced a whiplashlike effect, which resulted in a concussion.

“He’s withstood all the bumps and bruises of the season,” Hebert said. “He’s shown he can take a hit and keep on going. I think if something happened [another concussion] he could live with it, knowing he didn’t cut corners and just wing it.”

One thing about Kariya has surprised Hebert.

“He’s been leading the league in scoring, and rather quietly I might add,” Hebert said of Kariya, who has dropped from the lead after being held without a goal or an assist in the Ducks’ last two games. “I have no doubt he’s fully recovered.”

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Hebert on the Ducks’ losing streak, which reached three games after a 1-0 defeat Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers: “I’m a little angry right now, no doubt about it. If you’re not angry there’s something wrong with you.”