Scary sight in Sunrise from tonight’s Caps-Panthers game -- Washington forward Martin Erat was nailed from behind by Florida’s Erik Gudbranson with about five minutes to go in the first period, and forced to leave the game:
Erat was visibly in pain and had to be helped off the ice by his teammates. Gudbranson was given a five-minute boarding major and game misconduct -- the Caps proceeded to make good with the man advantage, as Alex Ovechkin scored his 21st goal of the year.
The 31-year-old Czech hasn’t returned to action at the time of writing, and the Caps are saying his return is questionable.
Update: According to CBC’s Andi Petrillo, the NHL confirmed it is reviewing the hit, but won’t decide if Gudbranson will face a hearing until after the game.