Minnesota native and Washington Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen was stretchered off the ice after taking a hit from Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Michael Eyssimont during Washington’s 4-2 win on Saturday night.
The hit happened late in the first period as Jensen attempted to dump the puck into the Lightning zone in front of the Washington bench. Eyssimont’s momentum from the hit carried Jensen into the boards and Jensen laid on the ice for several minutes before paramedics came on with a stretcher.
Prayers up to Nick Jensen, who had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher after a tough hit from Eyssimont. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/79G1S4uXnB
— FanDuel Sports Network Florida & Sun (@FanDuelSN_FL) April 13, 2024
No penalty was assessed on the play and the final 1:31 of the first period was played after the first intermission. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said after the game that Jensen didn’t go to the hospital after the hit and was able to walk out of the building with his family but admitted that it was a scary situation.
“Scary situation. He’s doing better, though, than — initially when you see something like that, someone stretchered off, you’re thinking the worst-case situations,” Carbery said. “He’s doing better. He walked out of the building with his family tonight. Didn’t go to the hospital. That was very, very positive, thinking that other situations [could’ve happened]. That’s good. Obviously, he’s going to be out, but good that he was able to walk out of the building with his family. That was good.”
Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who coached Jensen with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers also spoke on the situation after the game.
“Yeah, it’s tough to see anybody, but he’s a special kid for me,” said Cooper. “We won a championship in the USHL together. He’s awesome. Those are tough ones to see, especially because of the result of the hit and it wasn’t penalized, nor should it have been. It was just a tough one all the way around. I’m hoping he’s OK. I heard he’s doing OK, and so hopefully he’s not out after tonight.”
Jensen has 14 points (one goal, 13 assists) in 77 games for the Capitals this season, who are currently in the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. He’s a native of St. Paul and played at Rogers High School before playing collegiately at St. Cloud State.
The Detroit Red Wings selected Jensen with the 150th pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and he has played for 10 seasons including five with the Capitals.
