NHL Playoffs Daily: Avalanche, Hurricanes begin their quests

You never want to see something like this happen. The Nashville Predators rookie Kevin Fiala had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher after an ugly crash into the boards during Wednesday night’s playoff game against the St. Louis Blues. The Nashville forward crashed awkwardly into the boards after a hit from the Blues Robert Bortuzzo. In obvious pain, medical staff rushed to his side as the stunned St. Louis crowd watched in silence. Fiala had to be stretchered off the ice and was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. While there are no specifics on Fiala’s injury, the Predators tweeted that he remains alert and stable.

After sweeping the Hurricanes and having an extended break, the Bruins are back on the ice hosting the Blues in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final.