And that’s what happened!
Columbus Blue Jackets rookie defensman Zach Werenski took a puck to the face during the second period of the team’s playoff game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday night.
The play actually happened during a sequence that concluded with a Penguins game-tying goal. There was debate about whether or not the goal should’ve counted, as Werenski was bleeding a lot (in addition to being down on the ice for several seconds).
Here’s video of the scene:
#NHL on-site officiating supervisor Don Koharski refuses to say if correct call was made by play continuing with Werenski down, bleeding.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 17, 2017
The 19-year-old got stitches and actually returned to the game for the third period, but by overtime the swelling was so bad that he couldn’t see. When you see the photo Werenski posted on Twitter postgame, you can understand why.
Warning: This is disgusting.
Playoff hockey… pic.twitter.com/4GNoLYVECu
— Zach Werenski (@ZachWerenski) April 17, 2017
Ow.
Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella had an, um, interesting quote about his rookie defenseman:
#CBJ coach John Tortorella on rookie D Zach Werenski: "Balls as big as the building, doesn't he? It doesn't surprise me with him."
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 17, 2017
The Blue Jackets lost the game 5-4 in overtime, and now trail the Penguins 3-0 in the series.
[Photo Credit: SportsNet]
Torts is like the drunk uncle of hockey coaches.