Flames defenseman Chris Tanev was helped off the ice after taking a hit to the head in the second period of Calgary’s 2-1 shootout against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday.
During a 5-on-3 penalty, Tanev tried to block a slap shot from Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. The shot hit Tanev in the side of the head and he fell to the ice as the Bell Center crowd fell silent.
“It’s tough, I mean, he doesn’t stay down very often,” Calgary goaltender Jacob Markstrom said. “So when he’s lying down, you worry. I haven’t spoken to him yet, but hopefully he’s OK.”
Although Montreal still possessed the puck, Canadiens right wing Joel Armia asked the referees to call the play dead so Tanev could get medical attention.
READ MORE: Flames lose to Habs in shootout at Bell Center in Montreal on Monday
After team medics examined Tanev, he skated off the ice with the help of his teammates. Before the injury, Tanev had 11:43 of ice time with one shot on net.
“I just spoke to Tanev. I know the feeling and I know the sound,” Calgary head coach Daryl Sutter said.
“I told the players, the toughest guy in the building is Chris Tanev, let’s go do it for him.”
The Flames were left with five defensemen for the rest of the game.
The 32-year-old Tanev has five assists, four penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating over 23 games for Calgary this season.
Calgary Flames’ Chris Tanev is helped off the ice by teammates Rasmus Andersson, left, and Trevor Lewis after taking a puck to the head during second period NHL hockey action against the Montreal Canadiens in Montreal, Monday, Dec. 12, 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
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