Danault hospitalized after taking Chara slap shot to head

A scary scene developed late in the second period of Saturday's game between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens.

Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara fired a slap shot that struck Canadiens center Phillip Danault in the side of the head.

Danault dropped to the ice and was eventually stretchered off after a lengthy examination and deliberation by team doctors. The incident occurred with 1:37 left in the frame. Players were sent off for an early intermission.

Chara, it should be noted, waited by Danault's side as he was being tended to and offered a quiet word as he was leaving the ice.

#Bruins #Habs 2nd period was halted 1:37 early due to Danault injury but Chara wouldn't leave the ice until Danault was secured on the stretcher. pic.twitter.com/E0F9pt2TfX

- John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) January 14, 2018

Jim Hughson of "Hockey Night in Canada" reported Chara's shot was measured at 123 kilometers per hour - or 76.4 mph.

The Canadiens later announced Danault suffered a head injury and was taken to a hospital for further examination. Encouragingly, he was awake and moving, but will spend the night there and be further evaluated Sunday.

Philippe Danault will stay at the hospital for the night. "Reports are good," according to Claude Julien. #tvasports

- Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 14, 2018

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