Senators' Brannstrom almost lost eye in scary collision with Leafs' Matthews
Hockey is back, and with it, so are the battle scars.
On Wednesday night the NHL regular season kicked off (no pun intended) with the battle of Ontario between Toronto and Ottawa, and ended with one dodgy moment that could have cost one Senator his season at least.
Auston Matthews, fresh off Toronto’s assistant captain nod, had already pocked two goals on the night and was racing down the ice towards an empty net with eyes on the hat-trick.
He’s inches away from tapping in his third, when Ottawa’s Erik Brannstrom pushes him off balance and the two go tumbling down to the ice.
Matthews nearly buries the empty netter for the hat trick. Takes an ugly bump with Erik Brannstrom who gets a skate to the face. pic.twitter.com/g3HyExp8xS
— Flintor (@TheFlintor) October 3, 2019
The third period expired and Brannstrom left the ice immediately for medical attention. If you’re queasy with blood or injuries, maybe don’t scroll down any further.
Thursday morning the young Senator, fresh off his NHL debut, posted a photo of his injury and it is gruesome.
Oh god. Brannstrom just posted a photo of his stitches. A really close call yesterday. pic.twitter.com/4jVHoRYgMS
— Hailey Salvian (@hailey_salvian) October 3, 2019
The cut is only millimetres away from his eye, which would have been a devastating injury to say the least. A scary moment for the rookie and Ottawa fans.
But Brannstrom, tough as nails, was back on the ice Thursday morning and didn’t miss a beat.
Hockey players, man.
Here’s a little good news: After taking a skate in the face last night, Erik Brannstrom is on the ice for Sens practice this morning.
— Ian Mendes (@ian_mendes) October 3, 2019
More NHL coverage from Yahoo Sports
