If you thought the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins were exhausted and in pain after playing well into a third overtime in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, have a look at Dr. Patricia Higgins. Toward the end of regulation on Wednesday night, Johnny Boychuck ripped the puck from center ice into the Bruins’ zone and it was deflected into the stands. From there, it found Higgins’ face.
According to CBS Chicago, Higgins suffered severe lacerations on her forehead and nose and was left with two black eyes. She reportedly underwent successful surgery on Thursday morning and is resting at home, where she is expected to make a full recovery.
To make matters worse, Higgins didn’t even get to keep the puck. It supposedly skipped into the row in front of where she was sitting and was scooped up by another fan.
Players taking pucks to the face is an all-too-common occurrence, but Higgins’ injury is an unfortunate reminder that the same thing can happen to the audience. The protective netting can only do so much. Hopefully Higgins’ experience won’t discourage her from attending games in the future.
Photo via Twitter/FOX 32 News
