NHL: Wild’s Keith Ballard Out Indefinitely

Minnesota Wild’s Keith Ballard has been released from the hospital, diagnosed with multiple facial fractures and a concussion after colliding with the boards. The Wild announced Wednesday that Ballard will be out indefinitely. Ballard was hurt when he tried to turn away from Matt Martin as the left wing charged toward him. Ballard was driven face-forward into the dasher board, and his head bounced hard on the ice after he fell. At one point, Ballard appeared to be convulsing as medics hustled out a stretcher, but he was able to get up after a few minutes and walk slowly to the locker room with assistance. The Wild recalled defenseman Justin Falk from their AHL affiliate in Iowa to fill in.