Johnny Boychuk had one of the craziest shot blocks of the year off his face and it looked very ugly

New York Islanders defenceman Johnny Boychuk is as tough as they come.

The 6’2, 227 pound blue-liner has logged some heavy minutes for the Isles over the years and finished tied for 2^nd on the team with 112 blocked shots in just 58 games last season. This year’s told the same story, as he led New York with 57 blocks in 41 games heading into today and his best one came this afternoon against the Rangers… off of his dome. As time was expiring in the first period, Boychuk sprawled in front of Robin Lehner’s crease to rob Chris Kreider with his face.  

As for the 34-year-old? He was clearly shaken up on the play…

What a warrior!

Boychuck of course isn’t the first hockey player to take a puck to the face. Take this KHLer from 2017, who had his jaw dismantled after taking one off the cheek. Just a head’s up… this injury looked pretty brutal.

Boychuk was able to close out the game but to make matters worse, his Isles fell to their rivals 2-1 in regulation. At least Lehner can feel good knowing that one of his D-man is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the biscuit out.

(H/T NHL)