Johnny Boychuk barely avoided the worst-case scenario.
That would've been losing his eye after taking a skate from Habs forward Arturri Lehkonen on Tuesday night.
The Islanders' defenceman rushed off the ice in a panic after he was struck just above the eyelid at the 11:18 of the third period. Lehkonen's skate caught Boychuk in the face as he fell over onto the ice.
After dropping down in a heap of pain, Boychuck covered his face with his glove and ran off to the dressing room.
On Wednesday, Isles GM Lou Lamoriello provided an optimistic update.
90 stitches were put in place by a plastic surgeon to fix the cut on his eyelid, which is currently shut.
Lamoriello added that the Edmonton product will make a full recovery from the injury. Currently, there's no timeline for his return.
The Islanders also lost to the Habs on Tuesday, who now sit in the first wild card spot with 78 points after dropping four straight.
A 13-year NHL veteran, the 36-year-old has spent the last 6 years in Long Island and has tallied 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists) in 64 games this season.
