NHL : Flyers forward leaves ice on stretcher

Philadelphia Flyers forward Todd Fedoruk was removed from the ice on a stretcher Wednesday night in New York after taking a knockout punch to the face from New York’s Colton Orr just 21 seconds into the game.

Fedoruk took on Orr inside the circle to the left of Flyers goalie Antero Niittymaki and exchanged blows with New York’s leading fighter. Orr landed a hard, overhand right to Fedoruk’s left cheek that sent the Philadelphia player down and out on his back.

Officials immediately summoned the Flyers’ medical personnel to the ice, and a stretcher was brought out moments later. Fedoruk appeared to blink and talk, and he made an OK gesture with his fingers as he was strapped to a backboard, and a brace was affixed to his head.

He was taken to St. Vincent’s Hospital for observation.

Rangers 5, Flyers 0: At New York, Brendan Shanahan had two assists in his first game back from a 15-game absence because of a concussion, and New York retaliated against the Flyers with their fists and sticks in a victory over Philadelphia.

The fight between Orr and Fedoruk was in response to Philadelphia’s rough play in the last meeting on Feb. 17.

Stars 5, Capitals 2: At Buffalo, N.Y., Daniel Briere and Derek Roy scored power-play goals, sparking Buffalo’s sputtering special teams in a win over Washington.

Sharks 4, Blackhawks 1: At Chicago, Jonathan Cheechoo and Milan Michalek had two goals each, and Joe Thornton added three assists as San Jose defeated Chicago for its fifth win in the last six games.

Avalanche 5, Oilers 1: At Edmonton, Alberta, Ian Laperriere had two goals and Tyler Arnason got a career-high three assists as Colorado defeated Edmonton for its fourth consecutive win.

The Oilers’ losing streak reached 12 games.

Canucks 2, Predators 0: At Vancouver, British Columbia, Jan Bulis and Tommi Santala scored in the first period and Roberto Luongo made 20 saves to lead Vancouver over Nashville.

Stars 4, Kings 2: At Los Angeles, Antti Miettinen and Krys Barch scored the tying and go-ahead goals 79 seconds apart early in the third period and Dallas completed an eight-game season sweep of Los Angeles.