Avs' MacDonald stretchered off after taking big hit from Panthers' Lomberg

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Jacob MacDonald had to be stretchered off the ice on Sunday after taking a big hit from Florida Panthers forward Ryan Lomberg.

MacDonald is alert and responsive, has full movement, and is currently undergoing further evaluation at Ball Arena, the team announced.

Avs forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel came to his teammate's defense, dropping the gloves with Lomberg. The two players were assessed five minutes for fighting. Lomberg was not penalized for the initial hit.

MacDonald was skating in his seventh game for the Avs this season. The 28-year-old has appeared in 42 contests over his three-year NHL career.