Isaac Howard's game ended early Saturday.
The Edmonton Oilers forward was forced down the tunnel and later ruled out against the New York Islanders after a first-period knee-on-knee collision with defenceman Emil Heineman.
Heineman was handed a five-minute major and game misconduct on the play, but the Oilers could not convert. Officials reviewed the play on video and upheld that call with an ejection for Heineman, who threw his stick as he exited.
Howard had to be helped off the ice, unable to put any weight on his left leg after the hit occurred less than three minutes after puck drop.
Oilers head coach Mike Babcock was hopeful post-game that the injury wasn't as bad as it looked.
“We're hoping for a recovery day (Sunday), and then if he doesn't (feel better), we'll get on with the medical part of looking into it. But they think it's favourable,” Babcock told reporters.
Howard, 22, had one goal and two assists in 12 games entering Saturday's action.
Edmonton is quickly back in action Sunday against the New York Rangers.
--with files from The Associated Press

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