Flyers' Laughton leaves on stretcher; staying at hospital overnight (Update)

With 3:49 left in the first period of Game 4, Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton was taken off the ice on a stretcher after violently colliding with the boards.

He appears to lose his balance after making contact with John Carlson of the Washington Capitals. He slides at top speed into the end boards making contact with his back/shoulder area; causing his neck and head to whip around.

Warning: the following video of the collision is jarring. It shows Laughton on the ice being attended to by doctors.

Shortly after the trainer came on the ice, the team doctor followed suit. Laughton laid motionless as a neck collar was placed on him, and he was moved on to the stretcher.

Sideline reporter, Scott Oake of Sportsnet, reported Laughton was alert and speaking while on the stretcher.

Shortly after the period ended, the Flyers tweeted out that the forward was taken to Jefferson Hospital for precautionary reasons.

Carlson was not penalized on the play, which was the correct call. He should not subject to supplemental discipline on what appears to be an unfortunate accident that happens in this game.

We'll update this post as more information comes in.

UPDATE at 10:40 p.m. ET:

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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @MsJenNeale_PD.

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