Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals isn’t the only thing the Montreal Canadiens lost last night. At 13:28 of the second period, Ottawa Senators’ Eric Gryba  laid out top Canadien  forward , Lars Eller, in what many consider to be a controversial hit.

Eller lost consciousness immediately after the hit and remained motionless while the team’s medical staff rushed to his aid.

A pool of blood stained the ice as Eller left for the hospital in a stretcher.  The National Hockey League’s Director of Player Safety, Brendan Shanahan will hold a hearing on Friday to decide what punishment, if any, Gryba will receive for the hit.

The National Hockey League allows for hitting of this nature. However, the principle point of contact must avoid the head. The attacking player must have his elbows below the players head. In addition, the attacking player must keep both skates on the ice while administrating the hit. Violations of these rules can result in fines to the player and team, as well as suspensions.

When interviewed by the press after the game, Gryba  sent  condolences to Eller, however maintained that the principle point of contact was the body,  rather than the head.

"I stepped up to make a hit. I kept my shoulder down. He received the puck by the time I hit him. I saw the replay. My elbow was down and there was no intent to hurt him whatsoever and I hope that he's OK” Gryba said in an interview with the media.

Habs defenceman Rapheal Diaz has also faced criticism for passing the puck to Eller who was in vulnerable position on the ice before the pass, ultimately allowing Gryba to hit Eller on open ice.

Diaz appeared to be remorseful and regretful of his carless pass, during a media interview immediately following the loss.

"I saw him open and wanted to make a quick pass to him so we can go to the rush. I didn't see the guy.” Diaz said.

The Montreal Canadiens will face the Ottawa Senators in Game 2 of the series, on Friday night.

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