Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar left the ice in frustration during Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues after taking a puck to the face just 3½ minutes into the second period. He dropped his stick and gloves before heading to the dressing room, not returning to the game. Coach Jeff Blashill provided a positive initial update post-game.
The incident adds to a challenging stretch for the last-place Blackhawks, who sit at 28-38-14 with only two games remaining in the season. Nazar, a key young piece, has been productive in his third NHL campaign.
Incident details
The puck struck Nazar in the face during a play in the second period, echoing a similar scare earlier in the season. He immediately showed visible pain and anger, slamming his equipment as he exited. The Blackhawks were trailing at the time, and his departure came amid a flurry of goals that saw the Blues pull ahead.
Game recaps confirm the timing: about 3:30 into the frame, following Ilya Mikheyev’s goal that briefly gave Chicago a lead. Blues goals from Alexey Toropchenko and Jordan Kyrou followed soon after, shifting momentum.
Nazar had logged limited shifts before the injury, consistent with his recent workload. No immediate severity was reported on the scoresheet, but the visual was concerning for fans.
This marks the second face-related puck incident for Nazar this year, raising questions about luck or positioning. Blackhawks medical staff attended quickly.
Coach Blashill’s assessment
Jeff Blashill downplayed long-term concerns after the game. “I think Frank’s going to be all right,” he said. “He had to get some dental work done, but I think he’ll be all right.”
Blashill’s optimism stems from quick evaluation. Dental issues suggest no structural damage like the prior jaw fracture, potentially allowing a faster return.
With the season winding down, any absence impacts lineup tweaks. Blashill praised team depth in response.
Post-game, focus shifted to wrapping the year positively despite the loss. Blashill noted Nazar’s resilience from past recoveries.
Nazar’s breakout season
In 64 games, the 22-year-old Nazar has tallied 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points, setting career highs. His plus/minus stands at -19, reflecting team struggles, but production shines at 18:30 average ice time.
Signed to a $46.2 million, seven-year extension in August, Nazar’s commitment pays off. Selected 13th overall in 2022, he’s emerged as a top-line contributor alongside Connor Bedard.
Recent form included a two-point night April 6 versus San Jose, ending a scoring drought. Power-play prowess: 4 goals, 8 assists.
- Key stats (2025-26):
- Goals: 15 (career high)
- Assists: 26 (career high)
- Shots: 138
- Game-winning goals: 3
His between-the-legs dekes and speed have energized United Center.
Echoes of December injury
This isn’t Nazar’s first puck-to-face mishap. On Dec. 20, 2025, versus Ottawa, he suffered a broken jaw in a 6-4 loss, sidelined a month until Jan. 22 at Carolina.
Recovery then involved wired jaw and cautious return. He posted updates on feeling “great to be back.”
Blackhawks activated him from IR, slotting into top-six minutes. Momentum built post-return until Olympic break.
Fans recall the frustration; similar glove toss this time. History suggests quick bounce-back if dental-only.
Other Blackhawks injury concerns
Andrew Mangiapane crashed into the net third period, 9:17 remaining; Blashill listed him day-to-day.
Defenseman Ethan Del Mastro sat out with unspecified injury. Veteran Sam Lafferty drew in as emergency blueliner.
Lafferty, college D experience, knows systems well. “He’s been committed… played D in college,” Blashill said.
- Current injuries:
- Frank Nazar: Face (dental, day-to-day?)
- Andrew Mangiapane: Lower body (day-to-day)
- Ethan Del Mastro: Unspecified
Depth tested late-season.
Season wrap-up implications
Blackhawks finish regular season with two tilts, irrelevant to standings but vital for momentum. Nazar’s availability crucial for evaluation.
Young core like Nazar, Bedard builds future. Extension locks him long-term amid rebuild.
Positive: No confirmed long layoff. Team responds resiliently.
Offseason looms with lessons on protection. Nazar’s grit defines Hawks’ next era.
As Blashill eyes summer, Nazar’s health signals brighter days. Expect him suiting up soon, dental woes aside.
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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.