Dallas Stars forward Curtis McKenzie was hospitalized after he was hit from behind by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov. Nesterov drove McKenzie into the boards head first, causing an unspecified injury during the second period.
Lindy Ruff said Curtis McKenzie was taken to hospital. Didn't say what injury was, only said McKenzie was in "excruciating pain."
— Mark Stepneski (@StarsInsideEdge) October 16, 2015
Following the vicious hit, tempers erupted between the two teams and a scuffle broke out. When the dust settled McKenzie struggled to get up before being taken to the hospital, and Nesterov was ejected. (RELATED: NHL Player Suspended For Half The Season After Brutally Vicious Hit [VIDEO])
WATCH
NHL officials have not yet determined if Nesterov will be suspended for the hit.