Michal Rozsival out for rest of playoffs due to fractured left ankle

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival will be sidelined for the remainder of the postseason after suffering a fractured left ankle during the team's Game 4 win over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night. The team announced the diagnosis Friday while adding that he will also undergo surgery.

Rozsival suffered the injury while trying to backpedal against a Wild rush in the second period. The video showed his ankle twisting badly and after teammates needed to carry him off the ice, it became clear this wasn't going to be some minor annoyance. According to team doctor Michael Terry, Rozsival won't even be able to return to full hockey activity until next season.

At age 36, Rozsival has been an inconsistent contributor for the Hawks this season, but coach Joel Quenneville never turned away from him and he seemed to be rounding into form before the injury. It's almost sickening to consider that this is how his season will end after everything he went through, particularly when it's possible he leaves the franchise this offseason as a free agent.

That's certainly not how anyone would want Rozsival's time in Chicago to end, and while his future with the team is now uncertain, we hope him nothing but the best no matter what he does next. Rozy's desire to win with this team was never a question, and it's undeniable that the Blackhawks' remaining run will be more challenging without him. Expect the top four to play some crazy minutes going forward.

In 65 games this season, Rozsival recorded one goal and 12 assists. He's recorded 33 points in 134 regular season games and 11 points in 50 playoff games for the team.