Senators' Sabourin stretchered off ice

Warning: Story contains graphic image

Ottawa Senators forward Scott Sabourin was stretchered off the ice just over three minutes into Saturday's contest against the Boston Bruins.

Sabourin collided with Boston forward David Backes and hit his head on the ice as he fell.

He was tended to for several minutes by medical staff and gave a thumbs-up as he was taken off the ice. Sabourin is responsive and has movement in his extremities, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. The team later announced he was transported to hospital for evaluation.

Sabourin shared a gruesome but encouraging selfie in an Instagram story Sunday morning:

(Courtesy: @s.sab92)

The 27-year-old made his NHL debut this season after several years in the minors. He's chipped in two points for the Senators while averaging just under seven minutes of ice time.