Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin leaves game after punch to the head

Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was injured early in Saturday's game after getting punched in the back of the head.

Larkin laid out on the ice immediately after the hit, leading to multiple medical staff rushing onto the ice, and a stretcher being brought out. Larkin didn't need the stretcher, but he looked woozy as he was helped to the tunnel by teammates Shayne Gostisbehere and Robby Fabbri.

There was 6:10 left in the first period when Larkin went down. He was battling in front of the Ottawa Senators' goal when Senators forward Mathieu Joseph punched Larkin in the head, which left him crunched against Senators forward Parker Kelly.

It looked scary, as Larkin lay motionless on the ice. He was eventually able to rise to his knees, and then stand up to be helped off without need of the stretcher.

Immediately after Larkin went down, David Perron went after Senators defenseman Artem Zub, ending up on top of him on the ice.

Officials spent several minutes looking at replays of the incidents before announcing penalties. Incredibly, it was Perron who got the most punishment, receiving a five-minute major for cross-checking and a game misconduct for intent to injure.

Joseph received two minutes for roughing. So did Kelly. (Larkin and Joseph have history: In October 2021, while Joseph was with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Larkin punched Joseph in the head. Larkin was assessed a match penalty, and ended up suspended for one game by the NHL).

Saturday's calls did not go over well with fans at Little Caesars Arena, who booed vociferously. Arena operators resorted to showing a message on the Jumbotron remind fans of the league policy on a safe environment.

Patrick Kane had the best response of all: He scored his first goal in Red Wings uniform a minute later, pumping his right first in celebration.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin leaves Senators game after hit to head