Senators' Eaves Leaves Ice On Stretcher

April 15, 2007
NHL.com / Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Ottawa Senators forward Patrick Eaves was taken off the ice on a stretcher after being leveled by Colby Armstrong midway through the second period of Sunday's playoff game against Pittsburgh.

Eaves was carrying the puck around the net in the Pittsburgh end with Penguins defenseman Josef Melichar tugging at him when Armstrong came from the opposite direction and put a shoulder hit on him.

Eaves appeared to be knocked unconscious on the play, but was seen talking and moving his hands while he was being taken off the ice. No penalty was called, but the Senators' Dean McAmmond and the Penguins' Maxime Talbot fought immediately afterward.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported Eaves had movement in all his extremities, and was diagnosed with a concussion.

Armstrong was involved in a similar play on Oct. 14. Carolina forward Trevor Letowski was knocked unconscious and sustained a concussion when Armstrong put a blind side hit on him in the Hurricanes' end.

Letowski, who also sustained facial cuts, missed nine games because of the concussion.

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That was pretty scary to watch. I wish I had a photo I could post of Colby Armstrong's face as they wheeled Eaves off the ice. He looked like he was going to puke. Good thing Eaves was all right.