UNIONDALE, N.Y.It was the kind of moment that causes anyone watching to inhale sharply with worry.
Max Talbot was up against the boards in the Flyers zone. Suddenly, he was run over by Islanders defenseman Steve Staios, who seemed to lift his elbow just as he made contact with the Flyers center.
Talbot took the hit and fell to the ice. Hard. His head and neck lurched back as he went down. After trying to lift himself up, he merely made it onto his hands and knees before, thankfully, a whistle allowed the Flyers medical staff to attend to him.
I had zero idea, said a visibly displeased Talbot after the Flyers 3-2 victory over the Islanders. I think thats what were trying to stop in the NHLshots like that, head shots. I had no time to react and I felt the point of contact was my head. I didnt see the replay, but from what I felt it was a pretty dangerous hit. Well see what happens.
Talbot did return to the game after the hit, and was on the ice for Sean Couturiers game-winning goal, but he was noticeably bothered after the game.
I saw it happen live, I havent seen it on videotape, coach Peter Laviolette said. When I saw it live, I didnt like it.
Laviolette said the referees told him they thought the hit was a clean, full-body checkthus the lack of a penalty. Talbot and his coach disagree.
NHL
Staios was not made available to the Philadelphia media after the game. He didnt address the hit with the New York media.
E-mail Sarah Baicker at sbaicker@comcastsportsnet.com