David Backes is known for being a physical player, but in Sunday's Game 5 the Bruins forward was on the receiving end of a hit that he typically delivers.
Near the midway point of the second period with the game tied 1-1, Lightning forward J.T. Miller collided with Backes by the Boston blueline, sending his opponent hurtling to the ice. It appeared that the players banged heads and that Backes possibly hit his head on the ice, as well.
J.T. Miller’s hit on Backes pic.twitter.com/jJfO2fSo1c
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 6, 2018
Backes, who has suffered two concussions previously in his NHL career, remained down for several moments and required assistance from the Bruins' medical staff and teammates to get back to the Boston locker room.
The team announced that he would not return to Sunday's contest before the start of the third period.
UPDATE: David Backes will not return to today's game.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 6, 2018
Backes entered the day with two goals and an assist in 11 games for the Bruins this postseason.