Watch: Ducks’ Ryan Getzlaf takes puck to face, returns to game
Not even a puck to the face can keep Ryan Getzlaf out of action.
Justin Braun flipped a puck in the air that hit Getzlaf in the face during Game 2 of the first round playoff series between the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
Ryan Getzlaf takes a puck to the face. Stays in the game.#SJSharks #NHLDucks pic.twitter.com/ehnOyc8xG5
— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) April 15, 2018
Getzlaf initially went to the locker room for examination, but he later returned to the Ducks’ bench and saw significant ice time.
A Ducks star for his entire career, Getzlaf is one of the few players in the league who doesn’t wear a visor, which offers protection in those types of situations.
Getzlaf assisted on a goal in the second period. He had 61 points in 56 games during the regular season and missed time after suffering a fracture on a puck that hit him in the face. He said at the time that he feels more comfortable playing without the visor and is willing to deal with the consequences.