Photo credit: CBC
In a very scary scene on Saturday night, Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev was hit by Flyers forward Matvei Michkov and needed to be stretchered off the ice.
In a developing story, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is currently being tended to by medical professionals on both sides after a collision with Matvei Michkov.
Tanev was bumped from behind, hit the ice and lay motionless for several minutes before he was placed on a stretcher and taken off the ice.
Tanev had just returned on Saturday night from a concussion suffered after he bumped heads with New Jersey Devils forward Dawson Mercer.
Michkov was assessed a two-minute minor after a review for a major penalty due to the injury.
In a sign of good news, Tanev did indicate a thumbs up to everyone as he was being stretchered off the ice.
Maple Leafs and Fans Hold Their Breath After Tanev’s Injury Scare
It would be the second concussion of Tanev’s season and with someone who has a history of head injuries, this is one of the scariest scenes anyone could encounter, and as we have seen before; concussions are no joke.
What’s extremely frustrating is that Michkov had no business getting involved with Tanev, the puck was nowhere near him and the Russian decided to exact some measure of revenge; perhaps he was salty for having a bad game.
It doesn’t matter though, as the only thing that should be focused on is Tanev’s health, and what recovery steps there are but at this point and time, all we can do is hold our breath and wait for further evaluation.
While they shouldn’t necessarily retaliate, a few extra shots into the boards, or maybe an errant trip could send the right message but realistically Michkov’s hit needs to be reviewed by the league.
All we can hope is that Chris Tanev is going to be okay, and when we have more information regarding his condition we will be sure to update you immediately.
Previously on Hockey Patrol