Lightning defenseman Jamie Heward had to be carted off the ice on a stretcher with 13:15 left in the third period of Thursday night's game with the Capitals after a from-behind hit by Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin.

The team said Heward sustained a concussion and could move all his limbs, but was being taken to a local hospital for evaluation. It was unclear if he would return to Tampa with the team.

Heward lay on the ice for several minutes, face-down, after the hit in which Ovechkin ran at Heward and pushed him into the boards. It did not appear immediately as if Ovechkin was trying to hurt Heward but he did push the side of his head with his right elbow.

Washington led 4-3 at the time and has since taken a 5-3 lead. No penalty was called on the play.