Warning: Video contains graphic content
Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares had to be stretchered off the ice in the first period of Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens after taking an inadvertent knee to the head from Corey Perry.
Tavares was later transported to the hospital, the Maple Leafs confirmed to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
The 30-year-old appeared to be in serious distress after the play.
This is scary 😳#MTLvsTOR
— Right Wing, Shoots Left 🏒🥅🌈😷 🇨🇦 🇵🇸 (@HILITINGHOCKEY) May 20, 2021
I hope Tavares is okay pic.twitter.com/Bm2YzkR3pg
However, Tavares gave a thumbs-up as he left the ice.
Thumbs up from John Tavares as he's stretchered off the ice following a freak accident with Corey Perry pic.twitter.com/C3PidL1GJ2
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) May 21, 2021
Perry and Nick Foligno fought off the ensuing faceoff.
#GoHabsGo Corey Perry and #LeafsForever Nick Foligno drop the gloves
— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) May 21, 2021
🎥 @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/drFbxbjiwc
Tavares recorded 50 points in 56 games during the regular season.
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