Blue Jackets' Werenski out for balance of NHL playoffs
Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Zach Werenski will miss the rest of the Stanley Cup playoffs because of a broken cheekbone suffered in the second period of Sunday's 5-4 overtime loss to Pittsburgh after taking a puck to the face on a Phil Kessel shot.
Rookie defenceman broke cheekbone after taking Phil Kessel shot to face
Columbus defenceman Zach Werenski will miss the rest of the post-season because of a broken cheekbone.
The Blue Jackets announced the decision Monday, one day after the 19-year-old rookie took a puck to the face on a shot by Pittsburgh's Phil Kessel that opened a gash on his right cheek in the second period.
He played a couple shifts in the third period with a full facemask, but his eye swelled shut and he had to sit out the rest of the game. He tweeted a photo of his face after the game that showed his eye nearly swollen shut.
Playoff hockey... <a href="https://t.co/4GNoLYVECu">pic.twitter.com/4GNoLYVECu</a>
—@ZachWerenskiPittsburgh won the game 5-4 in overtime for a 3-0 lead in their first-round series. Game 4 is Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.