Skip to content

Danault hospitalized after taking Chara slap shot to head

Francois Lacasse / National Hockey League / Getty

A scary scene developed late in the second period of Saturday's game between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens.

Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara fired a slap shot that struck Canadiens center Phillip Danault in the side of the head.

Danault dropped to the ice and was eventually stretchered off after a lengthy examination and deliberation by team doctors. The incident occurred with 1:37 left in the frame. Players were sent off for an early intermission.

Chara, it should be noted, waited by Danault's side as he was being tended to and offered a quiet word as he was leaving the ice.

Jim Hughson of "Hockey Night in Canada" reported Chara's shot was measured at 123 kilometers per hour - or 76.4 mph.

The Canadiens later announced Danault suffered a head injury and was taken to a hospital for further examination. Encouragingly, he was awake and moving, but will spend the night there and be further evaluated Sunday.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox