Marc Staal left Tuesday’s Rangers-Flyers game after being hit in the eye by a puck early in the third period.
The Rangers defenseman was hit in the eye by what appeared to be a redirected slap shot from Philadelphia’s Kimmo Timonen. Staal does not wear a visor for protection, so he hit the deck immediately and began bleeding. He was writhing in immense pain and was treated on the ice.
The Rangers did not have an update on his condition after the game.
Staal’s teammates are extremely worried about his condition, and fearful of damage the puck may have caused.
“It’s a tough, tough one,” right wing Rick Nash said after the Rangers’ 4-2 victory, per NHL.com. “We’re hoping the best for him; just hoping it’s not the thing we all think it is.”
We’re all hoping for the best for Staal. At the least, hopefully this will encourage all players to wear visors.
