Kevin Westgarth, Luke Gazdic
Credit: Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

Calgary Flames forward Kevin Westgarth has taken and delivered his fair of punishment on the ice over the years, but the fight he had with Edmonton’s Luke Gazdic last night was brutal even by Westgarth’s standards.

The two engaged in a lengthy bout late in the first period and – after a barrage of heavy haymakers from both parties – ended with Westgarth being knocked unconscious and falling hard to the ice. He appeared to be extremely woozy after hitting his head on the ice during the fall and had to be helped off the ice by teammates.

Westgarth didn’t return to the game after being diagnosed with a head injury and has already been ruled out for tomorrow’s game in Minnesota. Scary stuff.