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Selanne’s upper-body injury isn’t serious, probable Friday

Sochi Olympics Ice Hockey Men

A trainer massages the neck of Finland forward Teemu Selanne in the first period of a men’s ice hockey game at the 2014 Winter Olympics, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Sochi, Russia. Selanne was injured on a play and did not return to the game. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Mark Humphrey

Finland was heavily favored to beat Austria in their Olympic opener and they didn’t disappoint. The only potential source of significantly bad news for Finland surrounded Teemu Selanne, who missed the final two periods of the contest.

Fortunately, forward Jussi Jokinen and goaltender Tuukka Rask both reported that Selanne was only removed for precautionary reasons, according to the Globe and Mail. Head coach Erkka Westerlund’s assessment was equally encouraging.

“Small upper-body injury, not serious,” Westerlund said, according to the Olympic News Service. He thinks Selanne will play against Norway on Friday.

Finland already had a 4-2 lead by the time Selanne was pulled and the Finnish Flash had been credited with an assist. Finland’s main competition in Group B is Canada and the two nations will face each other on Sunday.

Related:

Barkov eager to play alongside ‘idol’ Selanne

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