Report: Gauthier ‘fine’ after hit in World Championship game

Flyers top prospect Cutter Gauthier, who left a World Championship pre-tournament game after being hit in the head by a Germany player, reportedly is “fine” according to a USA Hockey official.

The official told The Inquirer that Gauthier should play in the United States’ tournament opener against Finland on Friday.

Gauthier was carrying the puck when he appeared to be hit in the head by an elbow on Wednesday. An elbowing penalty was called.

Steven Ellis, of The Daily Faceoff, posted this on Twitter:

Cutter Gauthier just left this game for the United States after getting hit in the head. pic.twitter.com/CMqdMO1HTo

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 9, 2023

Gauthier, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward, was the Flyers’ first-round pick (fifth overall) in 2022. He is expected to play a major role in the Flyers’ rebuild. He had an excellent freshman season at Boston College, leading the Eagles in scoring with 16 goals and 21 assists.

With the Flyers’ blessing, Gauthier announced he will return to BC for his sophomore season.

Flyers defenseman prospect Ronnie Attard scored the first goal of the game for the United States, which won 6-3 in Munich.

In other Flyers’ news, forward Scott Laughton has been named an associate captain for Canada. The Canadians open play Friday against Latvia.

Around the National Hockey Network:

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers, on the verge of eliminating the Maple Leafs, have shut down Toronto’s top players.

Boston Hockey Now: Bruins coach Jim Montgomery doesn’t get a ringing endorsement from management after a record-breaking season. Montgomery is a former Flyer and was a key player for the Phantoms on their 1998 Calder Cup championship team.

Colorado Hockey Now: Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will not play next season due to a knee injury.

The boys having a little fun:

After the Oilers defeated the host Golden Knights, 5-1, in Game 2 of their series, the Edmonton social media crew couldn’t resist a little tweak.

Two nights later, in Edmonton, the Golden Knights dominated the Oilers, 5-1, to take a 2-1 series lead.

And the Vegas social media team returned the shot at the Oilers with this tweet:

We're in Edmonton… didn't see you guys tho….. https://t.co/JTsN30fK9C

— z – Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) May 9, 2023

Game 4 is Wednesday night in Edmonton. Stay alert because clever social media teams have no schedule.

Last night’s results:

The Hurricanes scored four goals in a 5:20 span to defeat the Devils, 6-1. Rod Brind’Amour’s Carolina team leads the series, 3-1

The Stars tied their series at 2-2 with the Kraken behind four second-period goals in a 6-3 victory.

Tonight’s playoff games:

The Maple Leafs try to stay alive at 7 at Florida, which is riding a 3-0 series lead.

The Oilers host the Golden Knights at 10. Both games are on ESPN.