UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Injured New York Islanders defenseman Chris Lee flew back to New York on Tuesday morning after being hospitalized overnight in Florida following a hard hit in a preseason game against the Panthers.
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Lee was removed from the ice on a stretcher with 11:02 left in the third period of the Islanders' 6-0 loss after being checked into the boards from behind by Rostislav Olesz.
The defenseman underwent a series of tests at Broward General Hospital and was cleared to fly home. Lee, 28, was conscious and had movement when he was taken to the hospital.
The news wasn't all good for Lee, though. He was among seven players sent to Bridgeport of the AHL on Tuesday as the Islanders trimmed down to the regular-season roster limit.
The Islanders have 26 players on the roster, including veteran center Mike Sillinger (hip surgery), and defensemen Chris Campoli (shoulder) and Andy Sutton (hand surgery), who will start the season on the injured list.
Also sent to Bridgeport were goalie Yann Danis, and forwards Jeremy Colliton, Mitch Fritz, Tim Jackman, Kurtis McLean and Trevor Smith.
First-round pick Josh Bailey made the cut despite having no points in two preseason games.
New York opens the regular season at New Jersey on Friday night.
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