Larkin exits after scary scene vs. Sens, Perron ejected for retaliation

A scary scene unfolded in the Motor City on Saturday night involving Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, who was forced to exit the game near the end of the opening period against the Ottawa Senators.

During a netfront battle, and with Detroit on the power play, Senators forward Mathieu Joseph appeared to punch Larkin in the back of the head, sending the captain into Parker Kelly. Larkin then fell to the ice, and Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub proceeded to fall on top of his legs.

Larkin remained face down and motionless for several moments as he was attended to by medical staff. He was eventually able to get up and was helped down the tunnel. A stretcher was brought out onto the ice, but Larkin didn't require it.

The Red Wings later ruled Larkin out for the remainder of the contest, which they lost 5-1. Detroit head coach Derek Lalonde had no update on Larkin's condition postgame, according to MLive's Ansar Khan.

Red Wings veteran David Perron went after Zub in the aftermath of the incident. Perron was assessed a match penalty and was tossed from the game for intent to injure.

Joseph and Kelly both earned minor penalties for roughing.

The Senators held a 1-0 lead prior to Larkin's exit, but Red Wings forward Patrick Kane scored his first goal with his new team before the opening frame expired.

Larkin has a history with head and neck injuries.

The 27-year-old was knocked out for the final eight games of the 2020-21 campaign after taking a cross-check to the neck by Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn. Larkin had to wear a cervical hard collar for eight weeks during his recovery.

In the first contest of the 2021-22 season, Larkin took a check from Joseph - who was a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning at the time - that sent him into the boards head-first. Larkin retaliated by punching Joseph in the face and was suspended one game as a result.