During a game between the New York Rangers and the Tampa Bay Lightning, Rangers' player Mika Zibanejad was struck in the face by a puck, leading to immediate concern as he left the ice and headed straight to the locker room. The incident occurred during a Rangers' power play, and it was initially unclear whether the injury was caused by a stick or a puck. Zibanejad's departure was particularly alarming as it involved one of the team's key players, marking a tense moment in the game. Despite the injury, Zibanejad made a return to the ice wearing a face shield, to the audible relief of the Rangers fans present. His absence was felt on the team, as the Lightning managed to score two goals during his time off the ice, with Anthony Duclair scoring his second goal as a member of the Lightning. The game was tied 2-2 after two periods, with the Rangers leading in shots on goal (SOG 17-16) and scoring chances (18-11, Rangers), and high-danger chances were 9-6 in favor of the Rangers.
Looks like Duclair may stay with Kucherov and Point for now as Hagel opens the third skating with Cirelli and Stamkos.
Mika didn't come out of the locker room at first, but he emerged a few moments later wearing a face shield. The #NYR fans in the stands let out a cheer.
Third period underway. Zibanejad is back for the Rangers with a bubble.
It was a puck to the face for Zibanejad. We'll see if he comes out for the third... https://t.co/qgnYAps0pp
Anthony Duclair has his second goal as a Bolt. ⚡️ Catch the Rangers vs. Lightning live on Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ https://t.co/3ejbTySSyN
2-2 after 2. (Point, Duclair for TBL) and Mika left the game with what looks like some kind of facial injury. Both TBL goals came after Mika left. SOG 17-16, Rangers. Scoring chances still 18-11, Rangers, per @NatStatTrick, and HD chances are 9-6, Rangers.
Mika takes a puck to the face. Left the game and has not returned. #NYR https://t.co/ueTmFKUwvI
Still no Zibanejad on the Rangers bench after taking a puck to the face earlier this period.
#NYR Mika Zibanejad just got hit in the face with something, not sure if it was a puck or a stick, and rushed off the ice. He went straight to the locker room.
Now Mika Zibanejad just got hit in the face and went straight to the locker room. Not sure if it was a stick or a puck that got him, but he was cupping his face on the way off. That's back-to-back scary moments involving two of the #NYR's most important players.
Mika Zibanejad had his helmet pulled off early in the #NYR power play, then late in the power play he took a stick/puck/something to the face and went straight to the dressing room.
Mika got whacked in the face and immediately came off the ice and went directly to the locker room.