The Florida Panthers breathed a huge sigh of relief Saturday as an MRI revealed that defenceman Bryan McCabe did not suffer a fractured vertebrae in his back as was originally feared.
Early indications suggested that McCabe may have broken his back after colliding with Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Dennis Seidenberg into the boards.
McCabe left Friday's game midway through the second period and did not return. Although the veteran defenceman was in significant pain following the injury, it is believed that his condition has been upgraded significantly to day-to-day.
McCabe was acquired by the Panthers from the Toronto Maple Leafs last month in exchange for defenceman Mike Van Ryn.
Last season, McCabe struggeld with the Maple Leafs, scoring five goals and adding 18 assists for 23 points in 54 games.