Photo: SN

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares was taken off of the ice on a stretcher after taking a knee to the head from Montreal Canadiens forward Corey Perry in the first period of Game 1 of the best-of-seven first-round series. He was transported to a hospital afterwards.

After taking a hit from Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot, Tavares collapsed down but his head hit Perry’s knee on his way down.

This is one of the nastiest collisions I have seen in a while. Hope Tavares is ok. #LeafsForever #MTLvsTOR pic.twitter.com/SXhL1ikDQm

— Holy Schmidt! (@YYCguy7) May 21, 2021

Tavares appeared unconscious after taking the hit. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher, but did give a thumbs up on the way off the ice.

Off of the next faceoff, forward Nick Foligno, the former Columbus Blue Jackets captain, fought Perry at center ice and took him down.

I guess the Leafs thought there was some intent by Perry? Foligno challenges and Perry answers the bell. pic.twitter.com/mRQ3tcwjEf

— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) May 21, 2021

Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said after the game that Tavares is conscious and communicating well. He will remain in hospital overnight. Keefe added that tests have come back “clear.”

Perry said “I honestly felt sick to my stomach…,” regarding the incident post-game

By Harrison Brown

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