The Ottawa Senators lost their leading goal scorer to an ugly crash in Monday’s shootout win over the San Jose Sharks.
Just over five minutes into the second period, winger Mike Hoffman helped lead an odd-man rush against Sharks goaltender Alex Stalock. While driving the net he was tripped up and fell shoulder first into the goal post.
It’s a bad crash at game speed, and looks even worse on replay.
Hoffman was helped off the ice and did not return during the game. There was no update on his status after the game, but it’s hard to imagine how he is in the lineup Thursday against the Devils.
Watch the replay of the collision below.
Following Monday’s win, Ottawa has 50 points, tied with Montreal, who is the owner of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Losing their leading scorer could be a serious blow to their hopes of returning to the postseason in 2016.
Hoffman’s 20 goals rank ninth in the NHL currently. He has 36 points in 42 games for the Sens this season.
#Sens forward Mike Hoffman will not return to tonight's game.
— Sens Communications (@Media_Sens) January 19, 2016