Maple Leafs defenseman Paul Ranger was taken off the ice on a stretcher during Wednesday night’s game in Toronto after being boarded by Tampa Bay Lightning center Alex Killorn at the end of the first period.
As Ranger went to play a puck along the end boards, he turned his back to the oncoming Killorn, who laid a big hit on the Leafs defenseman that sent him face first into the glass. An argument could be made that Ranger put himself in a vulnerable position, but it’s important to note that Killorn never pulled up and followed through with a powerful check.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety definitely will take a look at the incident to determine if any further discipline is necessary.
Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston provided an update on Rangers’ status.
[tweet https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/446449617644040192 align=”center”]
Check out the play in the video below.
Photo via Twitter/@JayGold85
