New Jersey Devils defenseman Anssi Salmela had made a great play, but paid a devastating price.
Anssi Salmela Leaves Devils Game On Stretcher
After taking a great breakout pass while on the penalty kill from Travis Zajac, Salmela streaked across the blue line and around the Philadelphia Flyers defense. He cut across the slot and was able to lift a slick wrist shot past Flyers goaltender Michael Leighton, to put the Devils up 2-0 with a great shorthanded goal.
Immediately after letting the shot go however, Salmela was nailed by Jeff Carter. He was caught off balance by a vicious shoulder hit to the head, which sent him spinning through the air and onto the ice. Whether it was the original hit or a result of his face striking the ice, Salmela appeared seriously hurt and lay motionless on the ice.
He was eventually taken off the ice on a stretcher, as is the normal course of action for head injuries of this nature.
Jeff Carter was not penalized on the play, but the hit was eerily similar to Mike Richards' hit on David Booth from earlier in the season.
Check back for any updates on Salmela’s condition here on SB Nation.
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