John Tavares is helped off ice after suffering injury for Canada that ended his season.
AP/Mark Humphrey

The worst fear was realized for the Islanders in Sochi. Star center John Tavares is done for the season. During yesterday’s Canadian 2-1 quarterfinal win over Latvia, he left with a knee injury sustained on a hit from Arturs Kulda in the second period. Early reports had him out for the remainder of the Olympics. Unfortunately, it turned out to be worse.

”John Tavares has an MCL and meniscus tear in his left knee,” team spokesman Kimber Auerbach wrote in an email Thursday. ”He will remain with Team Canada for the remainder of Olympics and return home after for further evaluation.”

Obviously, it’s a crushing blow to the Islanders. They already were a longshot to make the playoffs. Now, it’s highly unlikely. The more important concern is how Tavares recovers. A left knee MCL and meniscus tear is a serious injury that will take months of rehab. Only 23, Tavares should take his time. Under no circumstance should the Islanders rush their franchise player back. If that means missing the first half of 2014-15, so be it.

The injury risk was always a concern when the NHL sent players to the Sochi Games. However, the players wanted to participate and knew the risk factor. It’s easy in hindsight to criticize their involvement. How many fans aren’t enjoying these Olympics? A Vancouver USA/Canada rematch is tomorrow for a spot in the gold medal game. Everyone will be watching. The other semifinal features Finland, who eliminated host Russia leading to heavy criticism. It’s a bit unfair because it takes away from how well Finland played. Hardly pushovers, they had a better record than the Russians and have played like a team. Don’t be shocked if they beat Sweden and play for gold.

Tavares wasn’t the only injury victim. Rangers leading scorer Mats Zuccarello suffered a broken left hand. It’s a non-displaced fracture which should keep him out anywhere from two to four weeks. Obviously, that’s a big blow. Zuccarello has been their most consistent performer. His offensive creativity and skill has helped improve the power play while forming good chemistry with linemates Derick Brassard and Benoit Pouliot. Without him, it might force Glen Sather to make a move.

Injuries are part of sports. They can happen in meaningless exhibitions or during the NHL season. The bottom line is both Tavares and Zuccarello got hurt representing their countries. Any way you slice it, the Olympics are special. Look at all the press T.J. Oshie received for his shootout heroics beating Russia. It isn’t just about the hockey fan. It’s bigger. There’s a reason more people tune in. It gives hockey a boost. People are still talking about Oshie. Just wait till tomorrow. Do you think if USA beats Canada, any diehard pucker will be upset that NHL players are participating? Exactly.

Enjoy the Winter Games for what they are. They only come every four years. Since going to the pro format, we’ve seen the Czech Republic (’98 Nagano), Canada (’02 Salt Lake), Sweden (’06 Torino) and Canada (’10 Vancouver) win Olympic gold. Our country has been runner-up twice losing to Canada both times. Win tomorrow and they have a shot to make history. It would be fitting if they did it in the country that the Miracle On Ice came against 34 years ago.