Bruins D Kevan Miller Sent To Hospital After Dirty Hit From Orlov

Boston Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller had to be helped off the ice midway through the second period after being on the receiving end of a dirty hit by Washington Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov. The Bruins announced during the second intermission that Miller had been transported to the hospital for scans and further evaluation and will not return.

At 7:27 into the middle frame, the Capitals defenseman took a running start and launched himself into an unsuspecting Kevan Miller finishing it off with a cross-check to the head. Miller was on the ice for at least three minutes trying to gather his bearings. The rugged Bruins rearguard had to be helped to his feet and escorted off the ice by teammates and training staff. In typical NHL fashion, all Orlov got was a double-minor for roughing and in Kevan Miller, the Bruins likely lose their toughest player and a leader.

After every Boston Bruins player went after Orlov, the Bruins made him and the Capitals pay on the ensuing powerplay. Bruins winger Brad Marchand scored his third goal of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at the 8:00 mark of the second period to give the Bruins a well-deserved 1-0 lead. The Bruins had and continued to dominate after that point but thanks to a brilliant game so far from Capitals goalie Ilya Samsonov, only led 1-0 heading into the third period.

After battling back from two surgeries on his right knee in the last two years and missing the entire 2019-20 season, Kevan Miller overcame the odds and returned this season to play 28 games. He recorded a goal and an assist and was a physical presence in every game. He was also a leader for a younger Bruins team this season and was nominated for the Masterton Trophy which is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.