NHL: Artturi Lehkonen is in the hospital after a bad fall

Colorado Avalanche forward Artturi Lehkonen fell hard on the slope and needed to be taken to the hospital Thursday during a 4-3 loss to the Seattle Kraken.

Immediately after the confrontation that followed Matti Benners’ goal midway through the second half, Lehkonen drove deep into the Kraken’s box to recover the ball. He extended the stick and at that moment, Jimmy Oleksiak made contact with him causing the Avalanche player to fall head first into the fence.

Lehkonen tried to get up quickly, but he staggered and then remained on the ice waiting for the coach to arrive. He left with the latter towards the locker room before being taken to the hospital.

The organization reported that the attacker was conscious, able to respond, and in control of his movements. He was taken to hospital as a precaution for further tests.

Lehkonen had an assist earlier in the game on Bowen Byram’s net. He has eight points since the start of the season.

After trailing 3-1 in the game, the Avalanche rallied thanks to goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nikushkin.

Oliver Bjorkstrand broke the deadlock with 32 seconds left with his second goal of the game.

Back in uniform after being called up from the MLS on Wednesday, Shane Wright registered a shot on goal in just over eight minutes on the ice.