Vancouver Canucks defenceman Alexander Edler exited Wednesday night’s Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues after taking a skate blade to the head.
He did not return to join the Canucks on the bench to begin the third period.
In the second period, Edler pinched in the offensive zone and came into contact with Blues forward Jordan Kyrou, who then lost his balance. Kyrou’s skate unintentionally came up to connect with Edler near the latter’s right ear — the Canucks defenceman then quickly skated off and headed for the tunnel while holding the side of his head.
Edler has four assists in nine post-season games since the league’s return to play. He was plus-1 with two shots on goal on Wednesday, and had skated 13:08 before being forced out, which was third-most among Canucks blue-liners at the time.
The 34-year-old defender did not return to the game — his club went on to defeat the Blues and take a 3-2 series lead heading into Game 6.
