Panthers' Booth released from hospital
Last Updated: Sunday, October 25, 2009 | 7:23 PM ET
CBC Sports
Florida Panthers forward David Booth is wheeled off the ice after being injured Saturday in Philadelphia. Booth was released from hospital Sunday. (Matt Slocum/Associated Press)Florida Panthers winger David Booth was released from a Philadelphia-area hospital after suffering a concussion Saturday night at the Wachovia Center.
Panthers' general manager Randy Sexton made the announcement Sunday.
Booth left the ice on a stretcher following an open-ice hit by Philadelphia captain Mike Richards.
Late in the second period, Booth released a pass just inside the Flyers' blue-line and was crushed by Richards. Booth's head was down and the Philadelphia captain appeared to keep both feet on the ice.
"I'm never out there to hurt anyone," Richards said. "I have respect for the game and respect for the players. My concern is with him. Hopefully, he's fine and gets better. I just wanted to separate him from the puck."
Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren agreed with his captain.
"I don't see how they can view it like that," Holmgren said. "Mike was doing his job. His feet never left the ice. It was a shoulder hit. David Booth turned his head."
Florida defenceman Keith Ballard saw it differently.
"Richards knows [Booth] is in vulnerable position and goes after him," Ballard said. "He's done it before. That's the same stuff they've been trying to cut out."
Booth is to return to Florida where team medical personnel will monitor his condition.
According to Holmgren, Richards will not be suspended for the hit.
