EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils center Patrik
Elias has replaced the injured Petr Prucha on the Czech Olympic
team.
Prucha sprained his right knee during the New York Rangers' 4-3
overtime win at Philadelphia on Saturday and is expected to miss
three to four weeks. Elias said Tuesday that he was informed Monday
that he had been chosen as Prucha's replacement.
Elias returned to the Devils at the beginning of January after
missing the first three months of the season because of hepatitis
A. He contracted the illness while playing in Europe last season
during the NHL lockout.
He has six goals and 14 assists in 15 games since returning to
the team.
"The most important thing is your health," Elias said after
the Devils' 7-4 win over Tampa Bay on Tuesday night. "I've been
feeling pretty good the last four or five games. If I can play here
I'm sure I can play there. I'm just happy to be part of it."