Nick Jensen left the arena with his family, skipping a hospital visit after he collided headfirst into the boards and was taken off the ice on a stretcher during Saturday’s game for the Washington Capitals.
Coach Spencer Carbery provided the update, saying Jensen was conscious, alert, and moving his arms and legs after a shove from Michael Eyssimont of the Tampa Bay Lightning late in the first period.
“It was a scary moment,” Carbery said. “When you see someone stretchered off, your mind immediately goes to the worst-case scenarios. But he’s improving.”
Even after the Capitals’ emotional 4-2 win to keep their playoff hopes alive, Jensen remained on the minds of his teammates, including Nic Dowd, who fought Eyssimont in the second period.
“It’s upsetting to see,” Dowd said, fighting back tears. “We’ve known each other since college, our kids are around the same age, and we’re close with his family. Seeing someone in that vulnerable state is tough. But he’s a tough guy, and I’m relieved to hear he’s doing better.”
After hitting his head on the boards, Jensen remained still on the ice until medical personnel attended to him. The remainder of the first period was postponed and played after the intermission.
No penalty was called on the play, which drew boos from the crowd, according to referee Frederick L’Ecuyer.
Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who had previously won a championship with Jensen, checked on him in the home locker room, expressing his hope for Jensen’s recovery.
Jensen’s injury adds to the Capitals’ defensive woes, with Rasmus Sandin already out for the season after hitting his head in a previous game. Despite the setback, the remaining defensemen rallied in the game against the Lightning.
“They stepped up,” said goaltender Charlie Lindgren, noting that the team was determined to play in Jensen’s spirit after his injury. “It’s not easy seeing a teammate go down like that.”
