UNIONDALE, N.Y., May 29 (UPI) -- New York Islanders captain Michael Peca underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for the next six months.
Peca suffered a torn ACL and torn medial collateral ligaments in Game 5 of the Islanders' Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against Toronto when Maple Leafs' right wing Darcy Tucker low-bridged him in the second period. No penalty was called on the play and Peca missed the remainder of the game and the final two contests of the seven-game series.
The Islanders are hoping that Peca will be able to return by mid-December or in January of the 2002-03 season.
A finalist for the Selke Trophy, the 28-year-old Peca also underwent successful surgery on his left shoulder two weeks ago. The "stabilization procedure" was done to repair an injury that took place in the third game of the season.
Acquired from the Buffalo Sabres last June, Peca helped the Islanders reach the postseason for the first time in eight years.
In his first season with the Islanders, Peca registered 25 goals and 35 assists in 80 games. The 1997 Selke award winner as the best defensive forward, had one goal in five playoff games before the injury.
