Using his head

Lindros made right call in opting out of lineup

Neurologist Karen Johnston put Eric Lindros' comeback from concussion on hold Wednesday, but it is important to remember that Lindros helped himself with some initial self-diagnosis.

Lindros pulled himself from the New York Rangers lineup early in San Jose on Dec. 28, recognizing that his headache had deeper import. Instead of trying to play through an injury like so many hockey players, Lindros, attuned to his body after six previous concussions, avoided the potentially serious problems that can arise from playing with such an injury. The issue that drew the most attention was money -- Lindros is guaranteed only $2.1 million this year, a figure that does not spike dramatically until the fourth year of his contract -- but it really was about all brains: Lindros acted immediately on the symptoms.

Inside the NHL Click the image to launch the clip Eric Lindros' decision to listen to his body and take a break will pay off in the long run and the Oilers' Ryan Smyth makes a surprise return. Start Video Plus Visit Video Plus for all the latest video and audio.

Smyth's quick comeback remarkable

The left winger's presence was a surprise, even to teammates, who knew nothing until hours before the game. Smyth was slated to return from his broken right ankle on Jan. 10, which even then would have been ahead of schedule. But workouts went so well that Smyth asked in early. Smyth, back with linemates Mike Comrie and Anson Carter , set up the second Oilers goal by forcing Rico Fata to cough up the puck, a reminder that Smyth, a slippery scorer, has a well-rounded game.

Lightning's St. Louis the league's best bargain

St. Louis has secured a spot on the Lightening power play, not bad for an undrafted former University of Vermont star who shuttled back and forth to the minors with Calgary before finally landing with Tampa Bay last season. He also is the NHL's lowest-paid player, earning $290,000 this season. At $4,393 an inch, St. Louis is a bargain.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Farber covers the NHL beat for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.

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