Jake Muzzin was stretchered off the ice after a scary incident with 1:52 left in Game Two of the Toronto Maple Leafs-Columbus Blue Jackets Qualifying Round series.
The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman was cross-checked in the back of the neck by Pierre-Luc Dubois. As he careened off the boards, Muzzin fell chest-first onto the skate of Oliver Bjorkstrand, according to NHL.com.
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Muzzin initially tried to get up, but couldn’t and sat back down on the ice as a trainer ran to his side. Breathing heavy and grimacing, Muzzin can be seen jiggling his arms legs trying to get feeling back into them. It was at that point, the trainer asked Muzzin to lay down and they called for a stretcher.
Muzzin was stretched off after being injured on this play. pic.twitter.com/J3swVxgweB
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 4, 2020
You could hear a pin drop in Scotiabank Arena as both teams looked on concerned from the ice and their benches. Once Muzzin was strapped in, players from both teams loudly slapped their sticks against the ice.
Scary scene at Scotiabank Arena as @MapleLeafs defenceman Jake Muzzin was stretchered off the ice. pic.twitter.com/AIpBPM3bTl
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 4, 2020
After the game, Muzzin was taken out of the bubble and to a local hospital. He was responsive. The team is awaiting an assessment.
Sheldon Keefe on Jake Muzzin: “He was taken to hospital. He was responsive.” Waiting for more details.
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) August 4, 2020
Leafs players struggled with emotion afterward while speaking to reporters.
"He's very well-loved in the locker room… it's hard to see him down and not moving."
Andersen on Muzzin's injury.
— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) August 4, 2020
Marner: "We're all praying for him… there are a lot bigger things than hockey."
— Sammi Silber (@sammisilber) August 4, 2020
Muzzin, who won a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014, had six goals and 23 points in 53 games this season for the Leafs.
The Leafs went on to win the game 3-0 and tied the series 1-1. Auston Matthews and John Tavares scored at even strength to lead the Leafs to victory.
Screenshot courtesy of Sportsnet
