Breaking: Eric Staal taken to hospital after crashing into boards head first

Minnesota Wild center Eric Staal went crashing into the end boards head first following a scoring opportunity. It was a scary incident and Staal was eventually helped off the ice during the second period of Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues.



Staal appeared to catch Blues goalie Jake Allen's right leg and fell into the boards without being able to brace himself for impact.

Before the start of the third period, the Wild announced Staal is alert and stable at the hospital, where he has been taken for further observation.