Wild's Ballard released from hospital, out indefinitely

Minnesota Wild defenseman Keith Ballard was released from a hospital Wednesday after sustaining multiple facial fractures and a concussion on a hit by New York Islanders forward Matt Martin during a game Tuesday at Xcel Energy Center, the Wild announced. Ballard is out indefinitely.

Ballard was playing a puck in the Wild end in the second period when he was hit by Martin and fell awkwardly into the boards. Ballard remained down on the ice for several moments and a stretcher was brought onto the ice, but Ballard was able to skate off the ice with assistance.

No penalty was called on Martin for the hit. The Wild rallied from trailing 3-0 to win the game 5-4.

In 14 games this season, Ballard has one point, five shots on goal and 26 penalty minutes. He is averaging 12:03 of ice time per game.