Sharks center Dominic Moore explains playoff absence

Sharks center Dominic Moore missed last two games of the Blues playoff series to care for his ailing wife. (Noah Graham/NHL/Getty Images)

San Jose Sharks center Dominic Moore said Tuesday he missed the last two games of the first round series against the St. Louis Blues because his wife was diagnosed with liver cancer. The Sharks lost the series four games to one.

The Sharks released this statement today on behalf of Moore:

"There have been a lot of questions and concerns raised since it was revealed that I had to miss several games of the Sharks/Blues playoff series due to a family matter and I wanted to update extended family, friends, and former teammates on our situation.

"Towards the end of the 2011-12 season, my wife, Katie, began feeling ill. We visited with local doctors, who suggested running a variety of tests to ascertain the cause of the issue. Ultimately, Katie was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer and it was recommended that she undergo surgery, which took place in California in April.

"While it was disappointing to not be able to compete with my Sharks teammates in the playoffs, my wife's condition and care come first and I want to thank the Sharks organization, my teammates and their families for the love and support that has been shown to Katie and I during this difficult time. We continue to pursue the best treatment and care for Katie."