Mikko Koivu released from hospital after hard fall into boards

Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu was taken to the hospital after he crashed into the boards in a Tuesday game at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Koivu went to the hospital for "precautionary reasons" according to a release sent by the Wild. He was later released and traveled home with the team.

Koivu fell going for a loose puck with Columbus defenseman David Savard in the Blue Jackets’ zone in Nationwide Arena in the first period. According to the below gif, Koivu slid into the boards, back and neck first.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Michael Russo said Koivu skated slowly to the bench before being taken to the hospital.

Koivu has arguably been Minnesota’s top all-around forward this season. Coming into Tuesday’s game, Koivu led the Wild with 32 points. He’s averaged 19:56 of ice-time per-game (tops amongst Minnesota forwards), and won 55.9 percent of his faceoffs. Koivu was healthy last season. playing in 80 games, but has missed time in the past with injuries.

In 2013-14 Koivu missed 17 games following ankle surgery. He's also missed time with a shoulder injury (15 games in 2011-12), an upper body injury (eight games in 2011-12) and a hand injury (11 games in 2010-11).

The Wild won the game 4-2 on the strength of a hat trick by forward Zach Parise.

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