Some scary scenes occurred during Game 3 of the series between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche. Preds forward Ryan Johansen accidentally struck Avs goalie Darcy Kuemper square in the face with a high stick, sending Kuemper reeling to the ground in pain. Kuemper could be seen covering his face as he writhed on the ice, visibly in discomfort following the hit. He exited the game and did not return, though he managed to avoid serious injury, per reports.
After the incident, Johansen was asked about the incident, to which he had a brutally honest response, indicating the play was an accident and that he was “sick to his stomach” when he realized what had actually occurred, via Brooks Bratten.
There didn't appear to be any intent from Johansen to hit Kuemper inside the mask, and his words afterward all but confirm this incident was an unfortunate accident. The Predators' alternate captain was clearly distraught over the injury sustained by the opposing goaltender and said he's glad that a more serious injury was avoided.
The injury occurred late in the first period after Johansen attempted to make a play on a loose puck. He raised his stick in the air and accidentally caught Kemper inside his face mask. Kuemper was covering his eye as he went down on the ice and was escorted off by Colorado's medical staff. In his stead, Pavel Francouz came in to replace him for the final two periods of play.
The Avalanche went on to went 7-3, extending their series lead to 3-0 ahead of Monday's Game 4 against the Predators. It's unclear if Kemper will be able to play Monday night, though Francouz was effective in his absence, recording 18 saves on 20 shots on goal.
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