By MIKE ZEISBERGER  -- Toronto Sun

Nik Antropov winced in pain as he hobbled down the corridor toward the Maple Leafs dressing room yesterday. 

No one would have blamed the lanky forward had he chucked one of his crutches in frustration. He certainly has reason to do so. 

Eight days ago, on his 22nd birthday, Antropov underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee after its anterior cruciate ligament was damaged extensively during an American Hockey League game between St. John's and Worcester earlier this month. 

While he is expected to be ready in time for training camp, Antropov must deal with the harsh reality of having had both his knees rebuilt in the span of just 22 months. Back in April 2000, he was forced to go under the knife for a similar procedure on his right knee, which turned to mush when he caught a rut in the ice at the Corel Centre during a first-round playoff series between the Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators. 

"I just can't believe it. Two knees in two years," Antropov said. "That's what I think about a lot -- the bad luck I've had." 

At the time of this most recent incident, Antropov had no idea of the extent of the damage. 

"I was in front of their goalie and one of their defencemen poke-checked at me," he said. "I put my weight on the knee and, suddenly, it twisted and I went down. 

"Even in the dressing room, it felt nowhere near as bad as the right one did in Ottawa. In Ottawa I knew it was bad right away because the pain was unbelievable. 

"This time we waited about 12 days. Finally when we got back to St. John's they said maybe I should get an MRI done. Nobody expected an ACL." 

Antropov's daily rehab includes limited range of motion work, electro-therapy, massages and lots of ice packs on the knee. 

"At least I know how much work I'll have to do to come back," he said. "I've been through all this before. They said it will take about four to six months. 

"I was just starting to get my confidence back. I was playing more in St. John's and things were going well. Now, this. 

"I can't even play much with (two-year-old son) Danil. I'm lying down for much of the day."