Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson exited Thursday's Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes in the second period and didn't return for the final frame.
Sanderson was hit in the head by Taylor Hall before leaving the ice. The hit was labeled a two-minute minor.
Hall catches Sanderson high and he responded. Second powerplay for Ottawa... #GoSensGo pic.twitter.com/TtZG8msPmH
— Everyday Sens (@EverydaySens) April 24, 2026
"It's pretty obvious why (Sanderson) left the game," Senators head coach Travis Green said postgame, according to The Hockey News' Michael Traikos. "I just don't understand how there's not a five-minute major called on a hit to a head. ... It's ridiculous that there's not a review."
The reason for Sanderson's departure was initially unclear, as he also blocked a shot with his hand minutes after being hit in the head. He went down the tunnel as Ottawa failed to convert on a 5-on-3 advantage.
Earlier in April, Sanderson returned from a 13-game absence caused by an upper-body injury. He registered 54 points in 67 games during the regular season and averaged nearly 25 minutes per contest.
Ottawa ultimately lost the contest 2-1 and is now one defeat away from elimination.
