Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Mike Matheson and Martin St Louis watched a frightening scene unfold as Igor Chernyshov went down hard seconds after puck drop at the Bell Centre.
The Sharks rookie winger collided with Matheson along the neutral zone boards early in the first period. The two players tangled while tracking the puck and Chernyshov lost his balance.
His head struck the ice violently and the reaction inside the building changed instantly.
Chernyshov tried to stand up several times but could not keep his balance. Each attempt ended the same way as he stumbled and dropped back to the ice.
San Jose trainers rushed out immediately while players on both benches signaled for help.
The situation grew even more serious moments later when the Sharks confirmed Chernyshov had been transported to the hospital for further tests.
The 20 year old forward had 11 points in 15 games this season and had quickly become one of the intriguing young players in the San Jose lineup.
Canucks fans bring back old Matheson controversy
The incident also sparked a strong reaction from Vancouver Canucks fans across social media.
Many supporters immediately pointed to another moment involving Matheson that still frustrates Vancouver fans years later.
In October 2018, Matheson lifted Elias Pettersson and drove the rookie to the ice during a game between the Panthers and the Canucks.
Pettersson struck his head and suffered a concussion on the play. The NHL later suspended Matheson for 2 games after reviewing the incident.
Because of that history, several Canucks fans quickly resurfaced old clips and headlines online after seeing Matheson involved in another frightening play.
Some fans argued the plays were similar while others simply expressed anger seeing Matheson tied to another dangerous moment involving a young player.
The situations are not identical and every play unfolds differently in real time.
Still, the reaction showed how long hockey memories last. For many Vancouver supporters, the Pettersson incident never fully faded and tonight’s scene involving Igor Chernyshov brought it right back.
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Mike Matheson sparks backlash after Igor Chernyshov injury
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