David Backes injured on a blindside hit by Nick Ritchie

Late in the third period of tonight’s game, David Backes got caught up high with what looked like a late, high hit by Nick Ritchie.

Here’s another angle:

Backes stayed flat on the ice for a few moments, and eventually was helped off the ice. He didn’t return.

No penalty was called on the play.

Slowed down, you can see how violently Backes’ head snapped:

It looked like Ritchie made contact with his head, but either the refs didn’t see it or decided that the head contact came after shoulder contact.

Hard to say for sure. Hopefully Backes is OK, but this doesn’t look good for a guy with prior concussions.

What do you think? Clean? Dirty?