absorb

[retro]

"After looking practically defenseless in their lopsided loss to Detroit, the Anaheim Ducks absorbed another blow when Chris Pronger was suspended Wednesday for one game.
The NHL disciplined the Ducks' defenseman, a former Norris Trophy winner and a finalist for the award this year, for a blow to the head of Tomas Holmstrom in the Red Wings' 5-0 victory Tuesday night that gave them a 2-1 lead in the series."

My dictionary says absorb means to reduce the effect a blow, hit etc. Though, inferring from the context above absorb here means to suffer.

Any idea?

Anyway, does absorb fix the context here?
Top teams absorb the best players of minor teams which makes it difficult for them to keep pace.

Thank you

[curmudgeon]

A sponge absorbs water. So it means sucks in or takes in.

[Ouisch]

"After looking practically defenseless in their lopsided loss to Detroit, the Anaheim Ducks absorbed another blow when Chris Pronger was suspended Wednesday for one game.

Go Red Wings!

[Barb_D]

And Pistons!

[Ouisch]

[retro]

A sponge absorbs water. So it means sucks in or takes in.

And does absorb in that excerpt mean suffers?

[Ouisch]

More or less. "Absorbed another blow" is the same as saying "suffered another loss" in this instance. But by saying they absorbed the blow makes the loss sound that much more painful and devastating.

[retro]

More or less. "Absorbed another blow" is the same as saying "suffered another loss" in this instance. But by saying they absorbed the blow makes the loss sound that much more painful and devastating.

Thanks a lot.

Anyway, I wonder who will absorb the biggest blow (?) not making the Stanley Cup final.