Zach Werenski is one tough dude.
The Columbus Blue Jackets rookie defenseman took a puck to the face during the second period of Sunday’s Game 3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, yet he returned to the game in the third period. But all was not pretty with his face.
As Werenski was skating off the ice after getting hit, the Penguins were able to score. Though Werenski returned for the third period, his eye swelled shut in the intermission prior to overtime, so he missed the extra period. Pittsburgh won 5-4 in OT to take a 3-0 series lead.
After the game, Werenski posted a photo that shows his swollen and discolored eye. It’s not for the squeamish:
Playoff hockey… pic.twitter.com/4GNoLYVECu
— Zach Werenski (@ZachWerenski) April 17, 2017
Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella wasn’t surprised to see Werenski return to the game and explained why with a funny quote.
#CBJ coach John Tortorella on rookie D Zach Werenski: "Balls as big as the building, doesn't he? It doesn't surprise me with him."
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 17, 2017
