Devils' John Moore, taken off on stretcher, has concussion

New Jersey Devils defenseman John Mooresuffered a concussion from a hard hit into the boards by Washington CapitalsforwardTom Wilsonand was put on injured reserve Saturday.

Moore was taken off the ice on a stretcher and transported to the hospital for evaluation.

"The good news is he's being released from the hospital," Devils coach John Hynes said Saturday night. "That's a positive direction for him."

Moore was checked into the boards behind the Devils' net by Wilsonearly in the first period of New Jersey's 6-2 loss to Washington. Moore crumpled to the ice, medical staff rushed to his aid and teammates gathered around him.

He was strapped to a board and several Devils steadied the stretcher as Moore was lowered onto it 3:10 into the game.

No penalty was called on the play.

"I wouldn't necessarily say it was a dirty play," Hynes said. "It looked like a hit from behind, his back was turned on the glass, and he was hit pretty hard into the glass. It looked like it was a penalty."

Wilson said he was not trying to injure a vulnerable opponent.

"It's probably one of the worst things in hockey to see a guy down like that," Wilson said. "I'm going in to forecheck. His back is to me. I tried to let up a little bit. I wasn't trying to finish my check. I kind of rubbed him out. I wasn't aware that he had gone down until I looked back.

"I don't know if he couldn't get his hands up to protect himself. Obviously it was not my intent. I'm wishing him the best."

Moore, 26, has a career-high five goals to go along with eight assists this season. He also has played for the Blue Jackets, Rangers and Coyotes during his NHL career.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.