text: Nick Schmaltz has had a solid showing at the IIHF World Championship so far, but he was knocked out of Monday's preliminary round matchup against Sweden early after suffering an apparent injury.
  
  On the very first shift of the game, Swedish forward Gabriel Landeskog delivered a heavy, late hit on Schmaltz, who stayed down for a bit before needing some assistance from the official getting back to the bench. He did not return.
  
  Gabriel Landeskog delar ut en rejäl propp på Nick Schmaltz, som tvingades kliva av. #twittpuck #hockeyVM pic.twitter.com/T9FNpW6eUm — C More Sport (@cmoresport) May 8, 2017
  
  The Colorado Avalanche captain was not penalized for the hit, and it's unclear whether he'll face any discipline from the IIHF.
  
  USA coach Jeff Blashill told reporters after the game that he did not have an immediate update on Schmaltz's status.
  
  The 21-year-old Blackhawks forward recorded two assists and a plus-3 rating in the team's first two games, and also scored a goal in the lone exhibition contest. He started Monday's game at right wing on the second line with Dylan Larkin and Brock Nelson.
  
  USA went on to win 4-3, overcoming three one-goal deficits to do it.