The Vegas Golden Knights entered Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday looking to build on momentum after a 5-4 comeback win over the Carolina Hurricanes in the opener.
Brayden McNabb, one of Vegas' most physical players on the blue line, has been central to the Golden Knights' run to the finals as part of the second defensive pairing.
Entering Game 2, McNabb had logged 334:07 time on ice, while he also led the team's defensemen in hits with 33 and ranked third overall across the roster in blocked shots, also with 33.
Midway through the first period of Thursday's game, however, McNabb was struck in the face by a slap shot from Carolina Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers while attempting to block the puck in front of the net.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Players immediately signaled for help as McNabb skated off under his own power, holding his face before heading directly to the locker room. He did not return to the game.
According to ESPN's Emily Kaplan, McNabb left the arena and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Vegas took a 2-0 lead into the third period, but Carolina rallied to take a 3-2 lead. With their goalie pulled, the Knights scored the tying goal just over a minute left in regulation.
Carolina won it in overtime on a power-play goal Seth Jarvis, tying the Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece.
Game 3 is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET as the series shifts to Las Vegas.
