An incredibly scary moment occurred in Carolina tonight as inadvertent contact left Hurricanes goaltender Eddie Lack seriously injured.
In overtime against the Detroit Red Wings, Lack was hit by Andreas Athanasiou while scoring the 3-2 OT-winner. The contact wasn’t intentional, but the hit left Lack sprawling in pain on the ice.
Medical staff quickly made their way on the ice and stretchered Lack off the ice.
In a classy move, the Red Wings stayed on the ice after the winning goal to ensure Lack was okay. Nobody likes to see anyone get badly injured.
Thankfully, Lack gave a thumbs up to worried fans and viewers.
Eddie Lack gave a thumbs up on his way off the ice.
We're with you, @eddielack! pic.twitter.com/Nt9rGKWujq
— x – Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 28, 2017
After the game, the Hurricanes confirmed Lack’s undergoing tests at UNC REX Hospital and did have full feeling in his extremities.
Update on Eddie Lack: He is undergoing tests at UNC REX Hospital. He does have full feeling in his extremities. pic.twitter.com/eKwnzkq823
— x – Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) March 28, 2017
Hopefully, the prognosis isn’t as dire as it appeared. Lack is one of the game’s best personalities (his Twitter is a treasure trove of hilariousness) so to see him go down really is a shame. Plus, he’s playing some of the best hockey of his career. After an absolutely horrendous start to 2016-17, Lack’s sported a .931 save percentage in March as he’s helped stabilize Carolina’s goaltending woes as the club chases the last playoff spot in the East.
Clearly, Lack’s health is the important thing here. Let’s hope he recovers quickly and gets back on the ice soon.
