The crowd in St. Louis was sent to stunned silence at the scary sight of Nashville Predators rookie Kevin Fiala crashing feet-first into boards during the first period of Game 1.
Fiala was taken off the ice on a stretcher after he awkwardly hit the boards following a hit by Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo. An arena announcement indicated that Fiala will be taken to a nearby hospital.
The Predators announced that Fiala is alert and stable in an update.
Update: Fiala is going to a local hospital for further evaluation. He is alert and in stable condition. #STLvsNSH
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) April 27, 2017
It’s a cruel twist for the 20-year-old forward, whose high-end speed stands out most when you first see him. A bit longer than a week ago, he scored the biggest goal of his career as he ended Game 3 against the Chicago Blackhawks with the overtime-clincher. Now one has to wonder about his bigger-picture health.
Members of the Blues and Predators both escorted Fiala off the ice during a stunning moment for all involved.
Kevin Fiala is stretchered off the ice after an awkward collision into the boards. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/Pootx34l75
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 27, 2017