Nashville Predators forward Kevin Fiala broke his left leg during Game 1 against St. Louis and is recovering from surgery to repair his femur, the team said Thursday.
The 20-year-old Fiala was hit by Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo and went hard into the boards behind the St. Louis net at 1:46 of the second period Wednesday night. His injury led to a 17-minute delay while Fiala received medical attention. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher to the hospital.
"It's a tough loss, there's no question," Predators captain Mike Fisher said. "Everything went well I guess and he's doing well. That's the main concern. He's one of those guys that's played really, really well so far in the playoffs and is a big part of our team."
Nashville won 4-3 for a 1-0 second-round series lead.
The 11th draft pick in 2014, Fiala scored two goals in the Predators' first-round sweep of Chicago.
Etc.
• Anaheim defenseman Kevin Bieksa is doubtful for Game 2 against Edmonton after incurring a lower-body injury in the series opener, but help could be on the way. Sami Vatanen participated in Thursday's skate and pronounced himself "really close" to returning from the upper-body injury that has kept him out for four games.
• Columbus left wing Nick Foligno, Anaheim center Ryan Getzlaf and Calgary defenseman Mark Giordano are the finalists for the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award. The winner will be announced June 21.
Associated Press
