Desjardins feels ‘fine' after dirty hit from Byers

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COLUMBUSSharks forward Andrew Desjardins was showing no ill effects from a blindside hit to the head from Columbus Dane Byers after the Sharks 2-1 win on Saturday night at Nationwide Arena.

Desjardins did not return to the game for what he called precautionary reasons, after the dirty hit from the Blue Jackets forward at 3:01 of the second period.

I put a little ice on my neck and just relaxed, Desjardins said. You cant risk anything, but we dont know the extent of anything. I feel fine. I feel alright.

Desjardins said he did not see a replay, but was pretty sure the point of contact was the side of his head. That certainly appeared to be the case.

I got up and my legs fell under me a little bit, so obviously he caught me pretty good, he said.

Sharks coach Todd McLellan voiced his displeasure with the hit.

I feel for Desi. Hes really starting to fit in and play real well for our team. Hes gotten more penalty kill time, and been a real competitive guy.

To see him get hit like that, thats exactly what we want to eliminate from the game. Exactly. An opportunity to play the puck or play the man without taking the head, and unfortunately Desjardins has got to fight his way out of it now, and we all hope hell be okay.

Byers received a match penalty for intent to injure, thereby ending his night, and there's a good chance he'll be hearing from league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan, too.

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