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After taking high hit to the head, Michal Kempny leaves game with upper-body injury

By Ian Oland

 6 Comments

September 26, 2018 1:44 am

Washington Capitals defenseman Michal Kempny made a strong play in the offensive zone, which led to a goal by Madison Bowey.

But in the corner, Kempny took a high and, arguably, dirty hit from Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo, forcing the Stanley Cup-winner out of the remainder of the game.

Video

Kempny was hit 45 seconds into the third period. Bortuzzo’s left forearm strikes Kempny in the side of the head.

Kempny crumpled to the ice — his head slamming the ice — necessitating a visit by Capitals head trainer Jason Serbus.

A woozy Kempny would eventually get up and make his way off the ice with the help of his teammates. Kempny even flashed a smile after Evgeny Kuznetsov made a joke.

Bortuzzo did not receive a penalty on the play.

Minutes after the hit happened, the Capitals announced that Kempny would not return with an upper-body injury and miss the rest of the third period.

Capitals forward Tom Wilson would avenge the hit and fight Bortuzzo six minutes later.

After the game, head coach Todd Reirden had no update on Kempny’s condition.

“He’s still being looked at so I’ll have an update for you tomorrow,” Reirden said.

Kempny helped solidify the Capitals defense in the playoffs after being acquired by general manager Brian MacLellan at the deadline. Over the offseason, the Caps re-signed Kempny to a four-year, $10 million contract.

Update 10:30am: Bortuzzo’s hit on Kempny got a second look from the league.

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