Canadiens' Kirby Dach exits game after high hit from Ducks' Jeffrey Viel

Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach left Sunday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks with an upper-body injury after absorbing a high hit from Ducks winger Jeffrey Viel just three minutes into the first period. [1] [2] The incident occurred as Dach swatted at the puck with his arm but missed, leaving him unsuspecting when Viel delivered the check. Dach fell to the ice face-first into his gloves before slowly making his way to the bench and eventually the dressing room.

Viel was not penalized on the play, sparking immediate tension on the ice. The hit drew attention amid a recent string of controversial checks involving the Ducks, including defenseman Radko Gudas’ knee-on-knee collision that ended Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews’ season days earlier.

Breaking down the hit

The play unfolded early in Anaheim’s end, with Dach attempting a routine puck battle. Viel, recently acquired by the Ducks from the Boston Bruins in January for a fourth-round pick, caught Dach high as he extended for the puck. [3] Video replays showed the impact landing on Dach’s upper body, causing him to crumple immediately.

Officials reviewed the hit but deemed no penalty necessary, allowing play to continue without interruption. This decision frustrated Canadiens players, who saw it as a dangerous play in a physical matchup.

Dach, known for his physical presence as a second-line center, has been central to Montreal’s rebuild. His role as the team’s unresolved second-line centre dilemma has been under scrutiny this season amid ongoing injury challenges.

The Ducks have leaned on Viel’s physicality since his arrival, but moments like this raise questions about the balance between toughness and safety. No further updates on Dach’s condition were available immediately after the game.

Canadiens’ immediate response

Later in the first period, Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj and forward Josh Anderson confronted Viel near the boards. Xhekaj, known for his enforcer role, and Anderson appeared to invite Viel to drop the gloves, but he declined.

This standoff highlighted the Canadiens’ protectiveness toward Dach, a key piece in their young core. The team continued the game shorthanded up front, testing their depth early.

Montreal’s injury history this season has been brutal, with multiple forwards sidelined. The loss of Dach adds to the woes, forcing coach Martin St. Louis to shuffle lines on the fly.

Post-game, no official statement from the Canadiens detailed Dach’s status, but the upper-body label suggests caution. Fans and analysts await imaging results.

Broader context with Ducks’ recent controversies

The Viel hit comes just three days after Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas kneed Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews, resulting in a torn MCL and season-ending injury for the captain. Gudas received a major penalty, ejection, and a five-game suspension—the maximum via phone hearing from the NHL Department of Player Safety. [3]

As detailed in our coverage of the Ducks’ Radko Gudas handed five-game suspension for kneeing Auston Matthews, the league has cracked down on reckless plays. Questions linger on whether Viel faces a similar review.

Anaheim’s aggressive style has boosted their physical edge but drawn scrutiny. Their game against Montreal echoed the intensity of recent clashes, including a wild 6-5 shootout win over the Habs on March 6. [4]

No hearing has been announced for Viel as of Monday, but the NHL often reviews high hits post-game. The lack of penalty fueled debate on officiating consistency.

Kirby Dach’s value to the Canadiens

Dach, 25, has battled injuries throughout his career but shown promise as a two-way center. His size and skill make him vital for Montreal’s playoff push in the loaded Atlantic Division.

This season, he’s contributed steadily when healthy, logging top-six minutes. A prolonged absence would strain the Canadiens’ forward group, already thin.

Historical parallels include Dach’s past foot fracture that sidelined him 4-6 weeks earlier in the year. [5] Recovery timelines vary, but upper-body injuries can sideline players for weeks.

Montreal’s depth players like Juraj Slafkovsky and Nick Suzuki will need to step up. The team recalled prospects from Laval as insurance.

Implications and what’s next for player safety

The NHL Department of Player Safety will likely examine video of the hit, especially given the Ducks’ recent infraction. Precedents like Gudas’ suspension set expectations for accountability.

For the Canadiens, the focus shifts to the injury report Tuesday. A full gamecenter recap is available on NHL.com. [6]

Viel’s physical game adds edge to Anaheim’s rebuild, but repeated incidents could cost them in discipline and roster spots. More details emerged in full reports from Lethbridge Herald. [1]

Dach’s quick return would bolster Montreal’s momentum; otherwise, it tests their resilience amid a grueling schedule.

This incident underscores the fine line in hockey’s physicality. As the playoffs near, expect heightened scrutiny on hits like this—what it means for the standings could hinge on recovery timelines and league rulings.