Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa leaves hospital after hit in Game 3 -NHL Playoffs Update
It was a scary incident for Chicago Blackhawks during game 3 of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference Quarterfinals as their right winger, Marian Hossa, was carried out of the United Center on a stretcher and admitted
to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Tuesday night, April 17, 2012.
Fortunately, Hossa has been released from the Chicago hospital and according to the team, he is recovering at home.
Hossa was struck by Phoenix Coyotes forward, Raffi Torres, during their playoff matchup and as the player laid still on the ice, the medical staff available in the arena was called to check him out.
"Any time you see a teammate and a good friend, someone you've had some great experiences with, it's tough when you see him laying on the ice like that," defenseman Brent Seabrook said.
After taking the puck from their defensive end, Hossa turned around to pass it and was struck by Torres’ left shoulder as the attacker took flight and struck his upper-body, including the face, sending him flying down on the ice.
Luckily, the Chicago Blackhawks are expecting a full recovery but there is no saying when he will be able to make a comeback on the ice as of yet.
The team said in a statement from head physician Dr. Michael Terry:
"Marian Hossa suffered an upper-body blow in the first period of tonight's game. After initial evaluation on the ice he was taken by ambulance to the hospital for further testing, which yielded encouraging results. He has been released from the hospital
and we are monitoring him closely at home. We anticipate a full recovery in a timetable yet to be determined."
Chicago was shocked when the referees did not call Torres for a penalty but it is expected that the league’s chief disciplinarian, Brendan Shanahan, will take action on the incident in the next day or so.
Blackhawks are certainly expecting some action from the NHL while Phoenix on the other hand, termed it to be a hockey play and nothing unusual to happen during a playoff game.
For now, Marian Hossa will be evaluated day-to-day and could be back for game 4 if all turns out well.
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