Chicago Blackhawks nation is holding its collective breath after Jonathan Toews left Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins with what appeared to be an injured left arm. Toews, who has not missed a game this season, was the recipient of a massive hit from Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik in the second period.
Orpik lowered his shoulder and leveled Toews with what appeared to be a clean hit. Some have argued that Orpik, a known big hitter, targeted the head area, but he lowered his shoulder and did not lead with his elbow. Toews skated off under his own power but did not return to the game.
Orpik is not expected to face disciplinary action for the hit.
“There’s no penalty,” he said after the game, according to the Chicago Tribune. “I think that hit happens 10 times a game.”
Toews has racked up 68 points this season and is arguably Chicago’s most important player. The Blackhawks have lost four of their last five games and are not playing their best hockey heading into the postseason. If Toews is forced to miss a significant amount of time, they could be in serious trouble in the first round.
