'I’ll Leave That To The Department Of Player Safety,' Panthers' Sandis Vilmanis Exits Game With An Undisclosed Injury

The Florida Panthers were on the losing end of a Saturday matinee against the Washington Capitals, by a score of 4-3.

In addition to missing out on the two points, youngster Sandis Vilmanis exited the game early with an injury. 

In the first period, Capitals veteran Tom Wilson received a five-minute penalty and a game misconduct for boarding. Vilmanis played just 2:07 of time on ice, blocking one shot and finishing as a minus-1.

After taking time to get his bearings, Vilmanis slowly skated off the ice and went straight to the dressing room. 

“He’ll get looked at by another doctor tomorrow, but probably have to wait to get him back to see our guys (in Florida) before we have a real good idea,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice told the reporters after the game.

“I’ll leave that to the Department of Player Safety,” Maurice continued. “That’s their job.”

Wilson has a history with the Department of Player Safety, including six suspensions.

As for Vilmanis, the injury occurred just one game after recording a career game. On Nov. 4, the 22-year-old posted two goals and four points against the Chicago Blackhawks.  

The Panthers are back in action tomorrow against the Boston Bruins, but based on Maurice's comments, Vilmanis likely won't take part. 

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