Maple Leafs’ John Tavares out indefinitely after being stretchered off the ice in Game 1
Posted May 20, 2021 8:22 pm.
Last Updated May 21, 2021 3:06 pm.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares will be out indefinitely after he was stretchered off the ice during Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens following a scary collision with Corey Perry.
The contact occurred after Tavares was sent to the ice by a hit from Ben Chiarot at the blue line. As Tavares was falling, Perry, while attempting to exit the zone, made contact with his head.
Tavares stayed on the ice for several moments and appeared to be in distress. As he was being stretchered off the ice, however, he gave a thumbs up in the air. He was later taken to hospital where head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters he was conscious and communicating.
The Leafs released a statement Friday morning, saying Tavares had been released from hospital after undergoing multiple tests.
“He was thoroughly examined and assessed by the neurosurgical team at St. Michael’s Hospital and the club’s medical director. He was kept overnight for observation and is now resting at home under the care and supervision of the team physicians,” read the statement.
Following the team update on Tavares’s condition, head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that the 30-year-old suffered a concussion in the collision with Perry.
Tavares tweeted his appreciation to teammates, family and friends for their concern.
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) May 21, 2021
Tavares had 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) in 56 regular-season games this year.
Moments after play resumed, Perry dropped the gloves with Toronto’s Nick Foligno in a short fight. Both were handed five-minute fighting penalties.
Thursday’s game kicked off the first-round playoff series between the two North Division teams. It’s the first time since 1979 that the Leafs and Habs have met in the playoffs.
The Maple Leafs and Canadiens showed their support for John Tavares after a scary collision in Toronto.
Tavares gave the thumbs up as he was being stretchered off. pic.twitter.com/1OpiVLXmOu
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 21, 2021
With files from Sportsnet Staff
