Darcy Tucker Removed on Stretcher After Hit From Tuomo Ruutu

Avalanche forward Darcy Tucker was immobilized and taken away on a stretcher after he was checked into the boards by Carolina forward Tuomo Ruutu.

The hit came just over five minutes into the second period in Friday night's game in Colorado. Tucker had turned away from Ruutu to play the puck, and Ruutu drove Tucker into the glass from behind. The game was tied 2-2 at the time.

Video of the hit after the jump.

UPDATE: Tuomo Ruutu Suspended for 3 Games

After falling to his back, the gritty forward was motionless as doctors attended to him. He was able to move his right arm as he was taken off the ice. The team has announced that he has regained full consciousness and is fully alert, though he suffered a concussion and needed stitches.

Ruutu was assessed a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct. Colorado was able to take advantage, with Milan Hejduk breaking the tie on the ensuing power play. The Avalanche scored right after the penalty expired, as well, before Carolina was able to draw back within a goal, 4-3, to end the second period. After a couple more goals, Colorado held on to win 5-4.

Tucker had the worst season of his career in 2008, but has been a microcosm of the Avalanche team this year, exceeding expectations. Healthy and seemingly refreshed, he's been able to play the type of blue-collar game that made him a fan favorite in his time with the Maple Leafs. With six points in nine games for the first-place Avalanche, the timing of the hit and any ensuing injuries is awful.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

10-24-2009 @ 2:09AM

qongquest said...

hopefully he is not hurt bad, however tucker is one of the dirtiest players to ever lace up skates in the NHL. we are curious about what hockey night in canada's, coach don cherry has to say.

10-24-2009 @ 8:55PM

Sieben said...

hockey players the "REAL THUGS" of sports

10-24-2009 @ 9:46AM

jmaneuv011 said...

What goes around comes around

10-24-2009 @ 11:11AM

irish87 said...

So how many shifts did Tucker miss? I've watched him seemingly die on the ice, only to miraculously recover and take the second power play shift. If the positions were reversed, Tucker would have plastered Ruutu on the boards too.

10-24-2009 @ 11:49AM

nyrangerzmess11 said...

I don't think you'll have too many people feeling bad for Tucker today, He is one of the dirties players in the league but I still hope he is ok...I agree with Irish87 if the roles were reversed you KNOW Tucker would have took a run at him,Thats proabably why the announcers didn't really know what to say..I just hope the NHL doesnt get all crazy and ruin the game anymore then they have already

10-24-2009 @ 12:30PM

cepwin said...

Hopefully he's OK as you never want to see a serious injury. At least he had a helmet...years ago when they didn't wear helmets who knows how bad it would have been. (I've been looking at a hockey history and pre-helmet these situations usually had awful results.)

Bigsixty31 said...

GOOD CLEAN HIT..HE RUBBED HIM INTO THE BOARDS! TUCKER HAD THAT COMING TO HIM FOR A LONG TIME..HES THE ONE WHO GIVES OUT DIRTY HITS

10-24-2009 @ 1:02PM

djl5 said...

Ask Michael Peca if he feels bad for that POS. He ruined his career. Good for him because he deserves everything he gets.

10-24-2009 @ 1:21PM

gino128 said...

how does it feel to be on the receiveing end you cheap shot

10-24-2009 @ 1:51PM

Sally said...

I NEVER WANT TO SEE ANYBODY GET HURT. But, being a Flyers fan, I have seen Tucker play, and all I could say is, "WHAT COMES AROUND, GOES AROUND"

10-24-2009 @ 1:55PM

Kim and Ed said...

Tucker's been doing it to others for yeaqr, someone finally got him back.....GOOD

10-24-2009 @ 2:01PM

JBaer said...

How many more players have to be carted off the ice like this before the NHL puts its foot down and ends this kind of physical play?

10-24-2009 @ 2:04PM

Paul said...

It was a penalty because Tuckers numbers were visible but it wasn't a dirty hit. Rutu was completing his check on Tucker which is allowed because Tucker had just played the puck but he arrived late. Despite his past history, I pray that Darcy Tucker is not seriously hurt nobody should want that for any player.

10-24-2009 @ 2:31PM

byrdog said...

I live in Raleigh and believe me, just because I live in Cane country, I would never wish this kind of injury on any player. If I was Ruutu, I'd be thankin' my lucky stars my 'hit' didn't leave Tucker, enemy or otherwise, physically disabled permanently. It could have. No, I wouldn't want that on MY head. Ruutu shouldn't either. But... then again.

10-24-2009 @ 3:14PM

Denise said...

Karma baby!

10-24-2009 @ 6:26PM

ED BESSLER said...

What a joke of a league the NHL is! Ruutu getting suspended 3 games for a clean hit? Give me a break! Tucker took out Peca's knee with a cheapshot in the playoffs and he was'nt even assessed a penalty, never mind a suspension. This league proves once again why it'll never be taken seriously.

10-24-2009 @ 6:29PM

graebear89 said...

Ahh poor Darcy, Bastard got back some of what he likes to give.Remember the Peca hit,cause you couldnt beat the Isles without removing him from the lineup.