Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar endured another frightening moment on the ice, losing two of his top front teeth after a puck struck him in the face during Saturday’s 5-3 defeat to the St. Louis Blues. The 22-year-old plans to suit up Monday night against the Buffalo Sabres, wearing a protective cage over his face to shield the injury area.
Nazar dropped his stick and gloves before skating off about 3½ minutes into the second period. He underwent dental work post-game but remains optimistic. “Got it pretty good, but could be a lot worse,” Nazar said. “So pretty thankful.”
The puck incident unfolds
The Blackhawks held a 2-1 lead when the deflected puck found Nazar’s face, forcing him from the contest. St. Louis capitalized, scoring three in the period to pull away for the win. Chicago’s struggles continued in a season-ending stretch, sitting last in the standings at 28-38-14 with two games remaining.
Head coach Jeff Blashill provided reassurance after the game. “I think Frank’s going to be all right. He had to get some dental work done, but I think he’ll be all right.” Nazar participated in morning skate ahead of the Sabres matchup, testing the cage setup.
This marks the second such scare for Nazar this campaign. The speed and unpredictability of pucks in the NHL make facial protection a recurring topic for players.
Blackhawks fans held their breath, recalling similar high-stakes moments in recent seasons.
Echoes of earlier injury
Nazar’s history adds context to the resilience on display. On Dec. 20, he broke his jaw in a 6-4 loss at Ottawa after another puck to the face, missing a month before returning Jan. 22 at Carolina. For more on that setback and his road back, check Frank Nazar eyes Blackhawks return after month-long injury absence.
The repeat nature underscores the risks young forwards face. Earlier coverage detailed the impact on team depth during his IR stint: Chicago Blackhawks place Frank Nazar on injured reserve: impact and timeline.
Nazar has powered through both times without long-term absences. His quick mindset shift highlights mental toughness essential in pro hockey.
Comparisons to other players enduring facial injuries abound, from Eric Staal’s visor adoption to modern cage trends.
Nazar’s breakout third season
Despite setbacks, Nazar boasts 15 goals and 26 assists in 64 games, his third NHL year. The 2022 first-round pick (13th overall) signed a seven-year, $46.2 million extension in August, signaling Chicago’s core commitment. Frank Nazar’s player profile
His production ranks among top young centers. Nazar’s speed and playmaking complement Connor Bedard, forming a promising duo.
- Key stats: 41 points total, averaging 0.64 points per game.
- Shots: 2.16 per game, showing aggression.
- Plus/minus: Contributes defensively amid rebuild.
The extension averages $6.6 million AAV, a bet on his upside.
Teammate returns bolster lineup
Defenseman Ethan Del Mastro, 23, sat out Saturday for an unspecified injury but expects to play versus Buffalo. Forward Sam Lafferty filled in on D during the Blues game, showcasing versatility.
Forward Andrew Mangiapane exited third period after crashing into the net, listed day-to-day. Depth will be tested in the finale.
Blackhawks management values such adaptability in a young roster.
Injuries have plagued Chicago, but returns like these aid late momentum.
Facing the Sabres with grit
Monday’s tilt at 8:30 p.m. ET offers Nazar a chance to test the cage in game action. Sabres-Blackhawks preview Buffalo eyes playoffs, heightening stakes.
Nazar joins morning skate with protection, easing concerns. “If I’m lazier, I’ve got a little bit of an excuse now,” he joked about speech.
Chicago aims to end on a high note. Protective gear like cages has helped players like Nazar stay in the lineup.
The Blackhawks’ youth core, including Nazar, embodies perseverance amid adversity. His quick bounce-back bodes well for future seasons, reinforcing commitment to the rebuild. Fans can watch how the cage performs, potentially influencing NHL trends on facial protection.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.