Messier’s Season Might Be Over

Mark Messier of the New York Rangers might face season-ending shoulder surgery.

Messier, who turned 41 last month, took advantage of the NHL’s break for the Olympics to visit Toronto this week for three high intensity ultrasound treatments on his ailing left shoulder. He told the New York Post he is considering an operation.

“There’s no structural damage, but I might have to have it scoped,” Messier said in Friday’s editions. “I’m going to wait for at least a couple of weeks to see where I am, but worst case, that is a possibility.”

Messier missed 11 consecutive games and 15 of 18 before playing in the last five before the Olympic break. He had one power play assist and a minus-five rating in the five games.

Messier said he was taking anti-inflammatory drugs that masked the pain and enabled him to play.

“I can’t keep doing that,” he said. “As soon as I went off them, I couldn’t lift my arm.”

The Rangers said Friday that nothing had changed with Messier’s status.

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Not So Fine Mess

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