Minnesota Wild Forward Eric Staal Hospitalized After Crashing Head First Into Boards

By Timothy Downs

Saturday was a tough day for Minnesota Wild forward Eric Staal.

Not only did the Wild get eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by losing Game 5 to the St. Louis Blues, but he also found himself in the hospital following the game after crashing head first into the boards late in the second period.

From Bleacher Report:

Per Michael Russo of the Star Tribune, Staal looked “completely woozy” and was “barely moving anything in his upper body” while being helped to the locker room.

NHL.com’s Lou Korac noted the Wild’s public relations staff confirmed Staal was “alert and stable” as he was being taken to Regions Hospital for observation.

The team later announced that Staal was released from the hospital.

On the play when Staal was injured, he was trying to break through St. Louis’ defense for a shot and appeared to be tripped. His head seemed to collide directly into the boards as he was trying to turn his body.

Staal led the Wild with 28 goals and finished second with 65 points during the regular season. The Wild entered Saturday’s Game 5 against the Blues looking to avoid elimination in the Western Conference quarterfinals.

It’s hard to believe he was even able to get up after seeing the full-speed video.

Our thoughts are with Staal as he recovers.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like