With John Tavares second period knee injury against the Latvians Wednesday, he wasnt just lost for the rest of the Olympics, but also the rest of the NHL season. The blow for the New York Islanders was softened a little by the fact their season is already all but over, sitting 12 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with a 22-30-8 record. But imagine if the Islanders were in playoff contention, losing one of the best players in the league. Islanders general manager Garth Snow was none too happy about losing his superstar centre at an international competition. Speaking to Newsday on Thursday, Snow chastised the IIHF and IOC for wanting all the benefits of NHLers for nothing in return and even suggesting the organizations reimburse Islanders season ticket holders. Tavares injury, and Snows subsequent reaction – a sentiment likely shared by GMs around the NHL – may be enough for the league to halt their participation in the Olympics. In light of this and other injuries suffered in Sochi, is it time for the NHL to stop sending their players to the Winter Olympics? The 23-year-old Canadians season isnt the only casualty of the Winter Games, as the Florida Panthers have lost promising rookie Alexander Barkov to a knee injury playing for Finland, and veteran forward Thomas Kopecky to a concussion playing for Slovakia. And while Pavel Datsyuk played in every Russian game at the Olympics, an argument could be made that were it not for the Olympics in his home country, the 35-year-old would be resting his troublesome knee ahead of the Detroit Red Wings playoff push. The solution could come in the reincarnation of the World Cup of Hockey, to be played in late summer before the NHL season begins. While injuries would be as unavoidable then as they are now in the Olympics, players would be coming in fresher and would have more time to heal before training camps open in the fall. Theres nothing quite as momentous as playing for your country in the Olympics, as Steven Stamkos showed doing everything he could to get healthy in time for this years tournament, but a World Cup could be a compromise that keeps every party involved relatively happy. And for hockey nuts worried about the void if the NHL pulls out of the Olympics, ideas such as making the World Juniors, an increasingly popular tournament around the world, an Olympic event every fourth year may be enough to appease them. Should the NHL stop sending their players to the Winter Olympics? Youve heard what weve had to say, now its your turn. As always, its Your! Call. Bob Cousy Jersey . Marie rink got back in the win column at the Olympic mens curling tournament with a 7-4 win over the host Russian squad on Wednesday. Larry Bird Jersey . The post-season, Pierce said repeatedly, is no time to panic. And the Heat, apparently, are nothing to fear. http://www.celticssale.com/. Fourteen players were suspended last summer by Major League Baseball as part of the Biogenesis drug scandal, ranging from All-Stars to also-rans. Kyrie Irving Jersey . Gustafsson controlled the first round after getting top position on a throw, and came out much more forcefully in the second, buckling Manuwa with a Muay Thai knee, and finishing him off with strikes on the ground. Walter Brown Jersey . -- The Atlanta Braves added to their extensive wave of long-term deals with their young stars on Sunday by agreeing to a $42 million, four-year contract with All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel.NEW YORK -- Cam Talbot, subbing for resting Olympian Henrik Lundqvist, stopped 31 shots, and Derick Brassard and Rick Nash scored as the New York Rangers returned from the Sochi break with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night. Talbot got the nod after Lundqvist received extended work in Swedens run to the gold medal game in the Olympics. Talbot made the most of his opportunity,, getting his 11th career win in 18 NHL games -- all this season.dddddddddddd He was 11.6 seconds away from a shutout, but Peter Regin scored after goalie Corey Crawford was pulled. Patrick Kane nearly tied it seconds later, but Talbot stopped him with his pad. New York has won six of seven. Lundqvist is expected to play Saturday in Philadelphia when the Rangers start a back-to-back set. ' ' '