Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen took the brunt of the blow so badly that he left Saturday’s game against the Lightning on a stretcher.
When the Capitals played Tampa Bay at Capital One Arena, with 1:34 left in the first period, Jensen chipped the puck in deep from center ice for a big hit off the Lightning’s Michael Eisymont.
Essimont checked Jensen, but Jensen flew along the side of the bench and into the boards.
After the big hit, play was quickly stopped by the whistle as both teams exchanged shoving.
With play stopped for more than three minutes, the Capitals’ training staff quickly came to Jensen’s aid.
Jensen was stretched off the ice and in the second period. Capitals provided an updatesaid he was using his limbs.
“Jensen is conscious, alert and has full use of all four limbs,” the Capitals said in a statement. “He will continue to be monitored by team medical personnel.”
Esimont received no penalty for the hit.
Last Saturday in Pittsburgh, referee Steve Kozali collided with defenseman Haydn Fleury and was carried off the ice on a stretcher, marking the second week in a row that a Lightning game was halted for a frightening moment.
