UNIONDALE, N.Y., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- New York Islanders defenseman Alexei Zhitnik is expected to miss the next two games and skip the upcoming Olympic Games with a sprained ankle.
Zhitnik, 33, said the ankle sprain he suffered while playing against the Washington Capitals on Jan. 31 had not sufficiently healed to play for Team Russia after practice on Tuesday. He has missed the Islanders past three games.
Zhitnik has appeared in 51 games this season and has five goals and 20 assists.
Islanders center Kevin Colley had surgery for the second time earlier Tuesday to repair a neck fracture. He suffered the injury while attempting to check Washington defenseman Jamie Heward during the game in which Zhitnik was also injured.
The procedure to stabilize his spine took place at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. He is expected to be in the hospital for the next five to seven days.
