Bad things happen when 6 ounces of frozen vulcanized rubber strikes human body parts. Daniel Winnik was lucky on Thursday when he only lost a hunk of ear.
Penalty killers put their health, if not life, on the line several times every game. Winnik did so when he slid to block a shot.
MORE: NHL scores, schedule | Hot video highlights
Reilly Smith of the Panthers would up the shot and unleashed it as Winnik slid into the puck's path.
Had he not turned his head, Winnik would have taken the blast in the face. Possibly even an eye.
It was not a pretty scene, but one that is seen most any night in the National Hockey League.
Winnik writhed in pain after getting hit, and then left the ice for medical assistance.
He returned to finish the game.
Friday, Winnik's wife provided an update.
For everybody who's asking, Dan is doing well and we are fortunate there was no serious injury 🙂
— Taylor Winnik (@taytayruness) October 21, 2016
The Capitals won 4-2.