TJ Oshie was forced to leave Game Two 6:47 into the third period after a controversial hit laid by New York Rangers’ forward Artemi Panarin.
With the puck along the side boards, Panarin raised his shoulder and delivered a high hit to Oshie, which appeared to strike the Capitals’ forward in the face.
Connor McMichael immediately went after Panarin as play was whistled dead. Every player on the puck began pushing and shoving with each other.
Officials initially called a major penalty on Panarin, but upon reviewing video, the major was rescinded. The only player that ended up in the box was Connor McMichael who got a roughing penalty.
After being tended to by head athletic trainer Jason Serbus, Oshie, who was on one knee, was able to get up under his own power and skated down the runway to the locker room. Concussion spotters pulled him from the ice.
Oshie, who has a history of concussions, eventually returned to the ice with 5:21 remaining in the period. He took three total shifts after the headshot.
The Bread Man may have been paying Oshie back for a high stick in the second period that was not whistled.
The Capitals would go on to lose 4-3, falling to 0-4 at Madison Square Garden this season.
We’ll see if Panarin gets any supplemental discipline from NHL Player Safety.
