Islanders Johnny Boychuk takes a skate to the eye

Islanders defenceman, Johnny Boychuk appears to have suffered a terrible injury tonight.

In his teams loss to the struggling Montreal Canadiens, Boychuk seems to have been stuck by a wayward skate. To the eye. Just twelve months after suffering a similar incident. Albeit on a seemingly lesser scale.

During third period action, Johnny Boychuk and Montreal Canadiens forward, Arturri Lehkonen, were battling for position. Boychuck knocks Lehkonen off balance and the Habs winger’s skate comes up and strikes the face shield and face of the Islanders defender.

Johnny Boychuk grabs at his face after being hit by a skate blade

Instantly Boychuk looks to be in serious distress. Kicking his skates about while grasping at his face. He quickly gets to his feet and rushes off the ice.

The Islanders have yet to make a statement regarding Johnny Boychuk. Hopefully the injury is not as bad as it appeared to be. The instant replay, though, seems to show the skate blade brushing the face and eye of Boychuk.

Below is a video clip, shared by Sportsnet. Be warned. The following video is graphic. Parental guidance is advised.

 

Canadiens defeat Islanders to keep slim playoff hopes alive

Brendan Gallagher and the Montreal Canadiens erupt for a three-goal first period. Gallagher’s goal and assist keep the Habs slim chance of a play-off berth alive. Just. Montreal are now 7 points back of the Leafs, who are in action tonight against the Sharks – and have a game in hand.

Joel Armia also had a goal and an assist tonight. Paul Byron put home a short-handed effort and Jeff Petry, Charles Hudon also added to the Habs tally. Phillip Danault had two assists.

“We were pretty solid in all areas,” Canadiens coach Claude Julien said. “Scored goals by going to the net, we created some traffic there. We played well defensively. We didn’t give them much.”

Earlier in the day, Julien was given a vote of confidence from General manager Marc Bergevin.

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