Forsberg Out Rest Of Playoffs

2001 Playoffs

Forsberg, who leads the Avalanche in scoring, had surgery at 3 a.m. Thursday, the team said. That was after Colorado defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-1 Wednesday to advance to the Western Conference finals.

Team doctor David Mellman said he expects Forsberg to make a full recovery and that he could be ready to play next season.

"You can function perfectly without a spleen. I don't think there should be any restrictions," Mellman said.

Forberg's spleen was ruptured at sometime during Wednesday night's game. Forsberg started to get abdominal pains at a restaurant after the game and was taken to a hospital.

Pierre Lacroix, the Avalanche general manager, said he thought the team would overcome the loss of Forsberg in the playoffs.

"A team filled with the experience of this hockey club, they will use this adversity in a positive way," Lacroix said.