The book is about to close on the first month of NHL play in the 2008-09 season, and with everyone's eyes on the World Series, there have been a number of notable injuries recently that may play a major role in the outcome of this NHL season.

Philadelphia will be without the services of star center Daniel Briere, as the French Canadian was diagnosed with a tear in his abdominal muscle which could keep him out for up to a month. Briere, playing on the slow-starting Flyers' first line, has 7 points so far, and finished last season with 72 regular season points on the way to helping the Flyers reach the Eastern Conference Finals.

The defending Stanley Cup champions will be without the leading playoff goal-scorer for almost a month, as Detroit lost Johan Franzen to a sprained knee. Franzen sprained his MCL during the Wings' matchup against Chicago on Saturday. "The Mule" has 7 points this season for the Wings.

The Minnesota Wild put star winger Marian Gaborik on IR (injured reserve) this weekend, as the young superstar has already missed four games with an undisclosed injury. Gaborik will be eligible to return to the roster a week from the time that he missed his first game due to injury.

The Carolina Hurricanes will be without the services of top defenseman Joni Pitkanen, as the Finnish veterean tore a meniscus in his knee during this weekend's contest with the New York Islanders. Brandon Sutter also sustained a concussion in that game, but was released from the hospital the same night. Also in the Southeast, Alexander Ovechkin will miss at least one game for the Capitals, as he returns to Russia over some personal family issues.

The New York Islanders will have to do without starting goalie Rick DiPietro for now, as he suffered an undisclosed injury on Saturday against Carolina.