Maple Leafs’ Chris Tanev taken off on stretcher during 3rd period vs. Flyers
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev left Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers on a stretcher during the third period.
Flyers forward Matvei Michkov collided with Tanev from behind, and appeared to make contact with Tanev’s head. Tanev crashed down to the ice, was immobilized and left the game on a stretcher. Tanev then offered a thumbs up to the crowd.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed post-game that Tanev is undergoing further testing at a Philadelphia hospital, and didn’t know yet if Tanev would be returning home with the team.
There was no ill-intent from Michkov, but he was issued a two-minute minor for interference.
Here is the play in question, and we don’t necessarily advise watching it:
Tanev played 14:50, adding one assist with a plus-two rating in 24 shifts before leaving Saturday’s game.
It’s a frightening development, especially when you consider Tanev just returned to the lineup from a concussion, and has suffered concussions earlier in his career. Tanev is arguably the Maple Leafs’ most important defenceman as well, and it would be a crushing loss for the team if he missed further time. If Tanev misses extended time, it’s likely that the Maple Leafs will recall Dakota Mermis from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, or re-insert Philippe Myers into the lineup. Mermis was sent back to the Marlies on Saturday, as Tanev was activated from injured reserve.
“When you’re sort of stunned and a little bit confused, it’s not ideal,” Tanev said to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox on Friday. “But felt quite normal really soon after, which was nice. I don’t think any one mimics another one. Sometimes your symptoms may last a while; sometimes they don’t. Sometimes they’re headaches; sometimes they’re just head pressure. Could be your mood. I mean, there’s so many different things a person can feel, and I don’t think any one is the same.”
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