Flames' Westgarth on protocol after scary knockout punch

Calgary Flames' forward Kevin Westgarth was knocked cold in a fight with Edmonton Oilers' goon Luke Gazdic on Saturday night, and is now in the NHL's concussion protocol system.

The fight occurred on the faceoff at center ice immediately after centerman Sean Monahan gave Calgary an early lead with his 17th goal of the season, both pugilists landing hard shots before Gazdic took control with three straight rights, then landing a brutal right cross flush on Westgarth's chin.

Westgarth's mouthguard came flying out of his mouth and ragdolled to the ice, the official closest to the bout immediately signalling to the Calgary bench that Westgarth needed attention. 

No more Westgarth tonight, according to the #Flames. Evaluation protocol. Concussion, I'm assuming.
— Kristen Odland (@KristenOdlandCH) March 2, 2014

"It was a good fight and both guys were throwing good punches," Giordano said. " At the end of the day, you care about the person and it is hard to see something like that. Hopefully he recovers quickly and can get back in the lineup. He is feeling all right now, which is good to see."


A well-traveled tough guy, the 6' 4", 235 pound  Westgarth was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes on a New Years Eve trade that sent Calgary's 2008 first round entry draft pick, Greg Nemisz, to the 'Canes - a steep price to pay for an enforcer with negligible offensive skill, which underlines general manager Bruce Burke's plan to make his team tougher.

"I don’t like the way we’ve been pushed around,” Burke said of the deal. “I don’t think that’s any secret.
And having one guy that’ll answer the bell? That’s not enough in our league.”

Of course, Burke was referring to Brian McGrattan, a favorite with Flames' fans who has brought some toughness to the team since being re-acquired by the Flames this past offseason, but has been on the shelf since losing a battle with the end boards during practice coming back from the Olympic break.

Westgarth also made headlines on January 17th as Flames' bench boss Bob Hartley had him out on the ice for the beginning of the now infamous match between Calgary and Vancouver, a line brawl instigated by Westgarth causing Canucks' coach John Tortorella to go after Hartley in the tunnel leading to the rooms.

There has been no further work on Westgarth's condition, but the way he staggered off the ice despite being held up by teammates is not encouraging.

 http://www.sportsinjuryalert.com/2014/03/flames-kevin-westgarth-on-protocol.html