Report: Penguins' Kris Letang experienced concussion symptoms Tuesday
When Pittsburgh Penguins defender Kris Letang missed Wednesday night's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, it was hoped that the Penguins were holding the star defenseman out of the last game before the All-Star break for precautionary reasons.
That's not the case, according to TSN's Darren Dreger:
Told Letang had concussion symptoms last night which subsided overnight. Stiff neck today. Saw doctors this morning.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 22, 2015
Aside from missing five games in December with a groin injury, Letang has been relatively injury free this campaign – particularly when compared with last season, when he missed 26 games with a potentially life-threatening heart ailment.
Letang, 27, has a history of head injuries and missed 26 games with a concussion during the 2011-12 season.
Following Wednesday night's contest Penguins head coach Mike Johnston offered no update on Letang's status.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo, who threw the illegal hit that injured Letang, has declined his right to an in-person hearing with the Department of Player Safety. He's expected to discuss his forthcoming supplementary discipline with league officials Monday.
Because Rinaldo was offered an in-person hearing, the league is free to suspend him for as long as they choose.
Scroll down to the story stack below to view footage of the injurious hit.