Washington Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper pulled himself from Saturday night’s game against the Flames in Calgary. Kuemper exited in the second period following a collision with Flames’ forward Tyler Taffoli.
Taffoli appeared to make contact with Kuemper, possibly elbowing Kuemper in the head, early in the second period. Kuemper would head to the Capitals bench moments later.
the elbow here pic.twitter.com/tm4woYIpYl
— Mike (@mikeFAIL) December 4, 2022
The Capitals announced during the second intermission that Kuemper would not return to the game.
INJURY UPDATE: #Caps Darcy Kuemper (upper body) and Martin Fehervary (upper body) will not return to tonight’s game and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) December 4, 2022
It was originally speculated that Kuemper may have been pulled by the league’s concussion spotters, but it was later confirmed that Kuemper pulled himself from the game.
Kuemper was not pulled by the concussion spotter after the elbow to the head. He wasn’t feeling right, so he came out. #Caps
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) December 4, 2022
Kuemper logged 36:09 of ice time and stopped 24 of 26 shots he faced for a .923 game save percentage before exiting the game. He will be re-evaluated by the team tomorrow in Edmonton.
The departure of Kuemper came after the team lost defenseman Martin Fehervary to an upper-body injury as well. More here.
Kuemper wasn’t having it 🪓 pic.twitter.com/n5gzAP95pr
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 4, 2022
The Capitals made their way to Edmonton immediately following Saturday night’s game in Calgary. They are scheduled to hold practice at Rogers Place in Edmonton at 12:45 MT on Sunday where we could learn more regarding the status of Kuemper.
By Jon Sorensen
I don’t blame Kuemper. I’d would have pulled myself from that game (and others). The human condition can only take so much.
I don’t see clear contact with Kuemper’s head, as some have reported.
It was there. Elbow to the chin, his head snaps back. As in boxing, it doesn’t have to look like a knock out punch to give you stars when you hit the chin, though that shot doesn’t look like a major blow. Could have been precautionary after talking to the staff.
I’m going to flat out say it now.
It’s time to fire Lavi.
If Kuemper feels that the team isn’t playing in front of him he could get frustrated, making for worsening conditions within the team.
I’ve seen enough this season that makes me think they’re may be internal frustrations, and that team performance may have been effected. Inconsistent play, although better overall numbers recently, it still hasn’t changed the bottom line: winning. Carlson’s return and the losses piling up. I’m done trying to justify a positive direction for this team.
It’s time. Now. Make the move.
And take the GMBM with him. Bring in a whole new front office. New blood and some younger players to finish this disaster of a season and start to prepare for the draft and next season and a rebuild as with 13 UFA/RFA there is no wat they all can be brought back. So start the trading now for younger players and picks!!