Dan Boyle exits game against Blues on stretcher
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dan Boyle injury update
In the first period of the game known as the “clash of the undefeat-eds,” a very scary incident occurred with 14:43 remaining in the first period of play. Maxim Lapierre laid a dirty, suspension worthy hit on Dan Boyle from behind in the corner of the Sharks zone near the end boards. Boyle’s face hit the glass immediately and his chin impacted the ledge between the glass and the boards as he fell down. He appeared to be unconscious as he hit the ice, due to no movement. In response to the hit, Matt Pelech and Andrew Desjardins went after the Blue’s players. Lapierre was assesed a 5 minute major penalty for the hit, a 5 minute major penalty for fighting, and a game misconduct. Desjardins was given 5 minutes for fighting, 2 minutes for instigating, and a 10 minute game misconduct. Finally, Pelech was given a 5 minute fighting major and a 10 minute misconduct. While all these brawls were going on at center ice, Boyle was still down, not moving in the corner. He would be carried off on a stretcher and rushed to the local hospital.
Here is the hit:
Given that Lapierre has a history of these types of hits and Boyle was majorly injured on the play, you can be certain that this play will not go unreviewed by the league. The Sharks responded on their two ensuing power plays with 2 goals by Logan Couture and Joe Pavelski.
UPDATE: A couple of more days until we will be able to know Boyle’s exact condition and timetable for return.
Sharks GM Doug Wilson tells @TSNSimmer and I that Dan Boyle will need a few more days before they get a full evaluation on his status.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) October 17, 2013
UPDATE: Still no word on Boyle’s exact condition. However, Lapierre was offered an in-person hearing with the Department of Player Safety in New York (meaning suspension will be at least 5 games). He also reached out to Boyle through phone to apologize for the dirty hit, no answer from Boyle. UPDATE: According to Bleacher Report and Randy Hahn, Boyle spent the night at STL Hospital and will be flown back to San Jose for further medical treatment. GM Doug Wilson said Boyle could be out a considerable amount of time. UPDATE: According to David Pollak, McLellan says Boyle will be hospitalized overnight.
McLellan says #SJSharks Boyle will stay overnight at STL hospital, but appears to be doing well.
— David Pollak (@PollakOnSharks) October 16, 2013
UPDATE: A Sharks spokesman has reported that Boyle is responsive in the hospital.
Dan Boyle is alert/responsive. On the way to a local St. Louis hospital. #sjsharks
— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) October 16, 2013
GIF courtesy of SB Nation
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