OTTAWA (AP) -Senators forward Dean McAmmond was released from the hospital on Wednesday, one day after he suffered a concussion in an exhibition game.
The Senators released a statement Wednesday saying there were no fractures and that he was scheduled to see the club’s training staff for treatment.
The Flyers were leading 2-1 when at the 2:39 mark of the second period, Steve Downie skated the length of the ice and headed toward McAmmond, who had just released the puck while circling behind the Flyers’ net and was met by Downie coming around the other side. Downie also appeared to leave his feet as he hit the veteran.
McAmmond also had a concussion after a hit by Anaheim defenseman Chris Pronger in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals in June.
The Senators forward was carried off on a stretcher in the second period Tuesday. Downie received a match penalty – which means an automatic and indefinite suspension pending a review.
Downie said Tuesday’s hit wasn’t premeditated, and he did not intend to go for McAmmond’s head.
“I didn’t mean to hurt him and I hope he’s OK,” Downie said. “My game’s to hit and to finish the check. I’m just trying to earn a spot on the roster. It’s part of my game and I apologize for him getting hurt.
“I thought I got him clean. Once we hit the boards after, I asked if he was OK.”
The hit had the Senators upset after the game.
“It was a cheap shot. There’s no part in the game for hits like that,” said Senators forward Brian McGrattan, who was ejected after getting a fighting major after McAmmond’s injury. “A guy can’t defend himself and you take a 40-foot run and jump and hit him. Hopefully, the league takes a look at it. Those are the hits we don’t want in our game.
“You don’t want to see stuff like that. We’re not out there to kill each other.”
McGrattan gave a warning to Downie.
“He’ll get what’s coming to him,” McGrattan said. “He’ll do it to the wrong guy and somebody will put him out of hockey. You do that at his level a couple of times, guys in junior won’t do it, but guys at this level will.
“He’ll get what’s coming to him next time we play him, that’s for sure.”
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