Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa was forced to leave in the first period on a stretcher during Tuesday’s Western Conference quarterfinal Game 3 between Chicago and the Phoenix Coyotes when he was laid out by a vicious and illegal hit courtest of Raffi Torres.
Torres clearly left his skates and made contact with Hossa’s head while charging him at full speed. Somehow Torres was not penalized on the play. There will likely be a suspension heading his way, with good reason.
Torres has a history of making questionable hits against the Blackhawks, most recently when he was with Vancouver. Last season, in Game 3 of the Blackhawks and Canucks first-round playoff series, Torres delivered a vicious hit to Brent Seabrook, which also led to an injury.
Following the game a statement was released on Marian Hossa’s condition. It was given by Chicago Blackhawks Head Team 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. “
video via CSN Chicago
