Injured Europe forward Marian Gaborik will miss World Cup of Hockey final

TORONTO – Team Europe forward Marian Gaborik will miss the World Cup of Hockey final with a lower-body injury.

Gaborik left the European squad on Monday with a foot injury that will keep him out eight weeks as confirmed by his NHL club, the Los Angeles Kings.

“Due to a lower-body injury suffered on Sunday, forward Marian Gaborik has left Team Europe and he will not return,” Europe general manager Miroslav Satan said in a statement. “Marian was a very important part of Team Europe throughout the entire World Cup of Hockey and though he is leaving our group today, he remains a part of our team. We know he will be supporting us in the final against Team Canada and we wish him all the best in his recovery.”

Game 1 in the best-of-three final series against Canada is Tuesday night.

The 34-year-old Slovak forward scored his second goal in four World Cup games on Sunday to help Europe beat Sweden in the semifinals 3-2 in overtime. His absence weakens a European lineup already facing overwhelming odds against Canada.

As well as hurting the Europeans chances at the World Cup, the injury is also a blow to the Kings. Though he scored only 12 goals and 22 points in 54 games, Gaborik still offers speed and scoring ability.

— With files from The Canadian Press