It was in the first period of the match that Detroit’s team captain Dylan Larkin was cross-checked in the back of the head by Ottawa’s Mathieu Joseph.
Larkin was left lying on the ice, seemingly unconscious. A minor brawl broke out around him and club mate David Perron retaliated with a cross-check and was given a match penalty.
“Really scary to watch”
After about a minute, Larkin was able to stand up again, helped by the ice for further investigations. The 27-year-old American has previously had problems with neck injuries.
– It was really scary to see him knocked out like that, but nice that he was able to get up and get off the ice, says Detroit coach Derek Lalonde to the NHL’s website.
The extent of the injury is still unclear
The club later released a statement saying that Larkin continues to be examined by their medical team, but that it is too early to draw any conclusions.
– It’s scary for all of us when he lies unconscious. It’s a friend. You think about his family too, how nasty it is for them, says Detroit player Ben Chiarot at the press conference afterwards.
The match itself was won by Ottawa 5-1.
Detroit’s only goal was Patrick Kane, the 35-year-old star’s first in a Red Wing jersey since returning to the NHL from hip surgery.
CUT: Watch Elias Pettersson’s match-deciding goal last night