While the Washington Capitals defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning by a score of 7 to 4, I would like to use this game recap to cover a devastating injury suffered by a former Capital.
During the third period of the game, Alexander Ovechkin checked former teammate Jamie Heward into the board, causing Jamie to stay flat on his stomach for several minutes before being taken off the ice on a stretcher.
Here is a video that I just uploaded onto youtube that shows what happened:
Despite a 1-goal, 2-assist night from the Russian superstar, Ovechkin did not celebrate another home victory. Instead, he was more concerned about the Tampa Bay defenseman, who played for Washington from 2005-2007.
Heward sustained a concussion and was unconscious for about a minute. He was taken to Sibley Memorial Hospital, where he will be held overnight for further evaluation.
Ovechkin said, “I didn’t know what to think. I saw him, and he turned around and … I didn’t mean to hit him. Sure, you’re concerned. I want to know how he is.
“It was an accident, and I’m very sorry. I never want to hurt somebody, especially my old teammate. It’s hard, and I’m very sorry, but it’s a game, and it’s a moment. He turns, and I have speed. … I hope he is OK.”
Lightning coach Rick Tocchet didn’t think that Ovechkin’s hit on Heward was dirty. Tocchet said, “I was more concerned that (Heward’s) arms and legs were moving so we could tell his wife. I felt sick for her, sitting at home and watching the game and seeing her husband on the ice. … It made us feel a little bit better – temporary relief.”
Here at SportsFullCircle, we would like to give our prayers to Jamie Heward and hope for a speedy recovery.
hope he is ok and appear he will
from what I saw , I agree , I don’t think it was dirty hit
I was so sad to see Heward go down. He was such a classy guy when he was with Washington, and he’s had a lot of bad luck in his career. One time back in 05-06 he took a skate to the face from Mike Modano. I believe he had over 50 stitches and had to have 2 surgeries.
I wish Jamie the best, and I hope he can continue his playing career.
Damn…
UPDATE ON JAMIE HEWARD’S CONDITION:
Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post reported the following on one of his Capitals Insider blogs:
“Just got off the phone with Lightning PR director Jay Preble who said Jamie Heward has been released from Sibley Memorial Hospital with a concussion and is on his way back to Tampa Bay. He is expected to land in Florida this afternoon.”
Thanks to Tyler for showing me the article.
I wish Jamie the best