Tampa Bay Lightning F Jonathan Drouin Leaves Game After Hit To Head (Video)

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin was forced to leave the ice after taking a shot to the head in the early moments of the second period of Game 3.

The Tampa Bay Lightning has struggled for a good portion of the season when it comes to injuries. Every single time it seems as if they are making progress in getting players back out on the ice there is yet another name to add to the list. Judging by the looks of things, the Tampa Bay Lightning may have a new name to add to the ever-growing list tonight.

The heat between these two teams started before the puck ever dropped to start the game. During pre-game warmups, there was a bit of a confrontation between Tampa Bay Lightning center Brian Boyle and New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic. After Hamonic strong-armed Boyle at center ice, the two engaged in a mild case of pushing and shoving before talking some smack to one another.

This seemed to set the tone for the entire game. From the moment the puck dropped, there has been palpable tension between these two teams. As time continues to tick off the clock, things have steadily continued to get increasingly heated. It seems like every other stoppage in play has resulted in fisticuffs in some way, shape, or form.

As the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders headed into the second period tied at one goal apiece, there was an unspoken drive to be the first one to put the puck in the back of the net and regain (or gain) the lead in the game. Unfortunately, it is at this point when things would take a bad turn for the Lightning.

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin was making his way into the offensive zone with the puck. Before Drouin had any chance to make a readjustment, Drouin was absolutely drilled in the head by Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey. As Drouin flew from his feet, he crashed head-first onto the ice below.

Jonathan Drouin was able to make it off the ice under his own power; however, Drouin never made a stop at the Tampa Bay Lightning bench and headed to the locker room. Given the impact he had on the ice, we would be dead shocked if he were to return tonight, but then again…hockey players are some of the toughest athletes in the world. Nothing is impossible.

Now, when you first take a look at the hit, it almost seems as if Jonathan Drouin somehow skated into Hickey’s shoulder/elbow. However, when you take a look at things from another vantage point, it’s pretty clear that not only did Hickey lean in on the hit, but he also left his feet.

Of course, there was no call made on the play. Rather, the New York Islanders would end up with a Power Play from the resulting aftermath of the Drouin hit. Thankfully, the Tampa Bay Lightning penalty kill was able to hold strong once again and prevent the Islanders from capitalizing on their ill-gotten opportunity.

At this point and time, Jonathan Drouin has not made his way back to the ice, nor has there been any update on his condition from the Tampa Bay Lightning or anyone else who would have legitimate knowledge of the situation. Right now, all we can do is sit back and wait to see how this situation unfolds. It will be interesting to see if the NHL Department of Player Safety decides to take a closer look at this one tomorrow morning.

Next: Lightning Bounce Back With Critical Game 2 Victory

We here at Bolts By The Bay certainly hope Jonathan Drouin is okay and any injury is not near as bad as it looked on the ice. As soon as more information on Drouin’s condition is made available, we’ll be sure to pass it along to you.

UPDATE: Jonathan Drouin was able to make his way back to the ice in the final 10 minutes of the third period of Game 3.