Winnipeg Jets forward suffers scary injury in practice: 'Trainers out, towels out'
Photo credit: Edit from Illegal Curve Hockey
Jets forward Vladislav Namestnikov suffered a scary injury during practice today in Montreal, as he took a puck to the face, bled, and had to immediately head off.
If the Winnipeg Jets (13-12-0) are looking for optimism, perhaps their experience in similar situations offers some hope.
Just weeks ago, the Jets fell to the Seattle Kraken during the fifth game of a six-game Pacific Division road trip, only to bounce back in the finale against Calgary.
What captain Adam Lowry did following the Jets' blowout loss to the Sabres
After Monday's 5-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres, captain Adam Lowry pulled the group together for a post-game closed-door meeting to address the team's mistakes.
Winnipeg now faces a chance to respond against the Montreal Canadiens, who are playing their second game in as many nights after a 5-2 loss to Ottawa.
Jets defenseman Dylan DeMelo stressed that success comes down to each player performing at their best. Head coach Scott Arniel confirmed that goaltender Eric Comrie will start against Montreal.
The veteran group knows speed will be a factor tonight, just as it was in Buffalo. Last season, Winnipeg swept the Canadiens in the season series, including a 4-1 win at the Bell Centre, giving them confidence that they can replicate the result.
Why Vladislav Namestnikov's status for tonight's game may now be questioned
Wednesday's morning skate included a scary moment when forward Vlad Namestnikov was hit in the face by a puck during a power-play drill. Trainers rushed to the ice with towels as Namestnikov made his way off for further evaluation.
This game is the first of two meetings with Montreal this week, and the 11th of the last 14 games on the road for the Jets. A strong performance would help set the tone for the weeks ahead. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT at the Bell Centre.
Update: it appears that Namestnikov avoided any major injury, as it seems to be just a flesh wound, so he should be good to go for tonight.
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DECEMBRE 3 | 93 ANSWERS Winnipeg Jets forward suffers scary injury in practice: 'Trainers out, towels out' Should players wear full face cages during practices? | ||
| Yes | 56 | 60.2 % |
| No | 37 | 39.8 % |
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