Brantford Bulldogs star Nick Lardis injured in playoff game

After one of the best goal-scoring seasons in OHL history, Nick Lardis’ hopes for a big playoff run may be in jeopardy.

The Brantford Bulldogs star was helped off the ice Sunday after being on the receiving end of a big hit by Oshawa Generals defenceman Andrew Gibson in the third period of Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal, per Brian Smiley of the Brantford Expositor.

The injury came after the Chicago Blackhawks prospect notched his second hat trick in three games, helping the Bulldogs take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

After the game, Bulldogs coach Jay McKee didn’t have much to say about Lardis’ condition.

“He’s being evaluated,” McKee said.

Lardis has 11 goals in seven playoff games after recording a whopping 71 in 65 regular-season games for the top team in the Eastern Conference.

The native of Oakville, Ont., was just the eighth CHL player since 2000 to hit the 70-goal mark in the regular season.

The Bulldogs also lost No. 1 goalie Ryerson Leenders to injury in Game 1 against Oshawa. The Buffalo Sabres prospect is day-to-day.

The series shifts to Oshawa, Ont., for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Thursday.