Winnipeg Jets forward Morgan Barron put his face on the line during a game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday and ended up with a gash that required 75 stitches to close up.
Barron was unfortunate to have the opposing goaltender’s skate connect with his face amid a scrum in front of the Knights’ net during the first period. He would leave the ice in apparent pain, having sustained an injury above his right eye.
While it was quite a worrying sight, Barron offered some ease when he returned midway through the second period wearing 75 stitches.
His return helped the Jets take the early lead in their first-round playoff series against Vegas as they won 5-1.
Adam Lowry led the scoring with two goals, with Kyle Connor, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Blake Wheeler each chipping in with one. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck made 16 saves to help maintain the advantage.
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Barron implied he was more concerned about the Jets getting a goal than his own safety while speaking to reporters in the aftermath.
“Just trying to figure out if the puck went in, because it was sitting pretty close,” he was quoted as saying (H/T Yahoo Sports).
The forward also made sure to praise the Jets’ medical team, who were able to get him back on the ice for the crucial result.
His head coach Rick Bowness noted that the player looked like he was attacked by a shark while talking up his spirit.
“That’s Winnipeg Jets hockey, that we’re all in,” he said. “Morgan is a perfect example of that.”
