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Daniel Winnik was hit in the head with a shot in this evening’s game against the Panthers. As a result, Winnik left the ice for a brief period of time, but would later return to the game, minus a part of his ear.
The incident happened in the third period of the Capitals-Panthers game on Thursday night. One minute into a penalty kill, Daniel Winnik took a slapshot to the head as he dove down to block a slapshot from the point. Reilly Smith’s shot seemingly hit the side of Winnik’s head. Fortunately, Winnik was able to skate himself off the ice and down to the locker room to be further evaluated. Winnik would later return to the game.
Another angle shows that Winnik turned his head at the last instant, which likely lessened the chance of being hit directly in the face.
Head coach Barry Trotz told the media after the game that he thought Winnik was ok, but that he lost a little piece of his ear.
Barry Trotz said Daniel Winnik lost a little piece of his ear when the puck hit him in the head. Seriously.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) October 21, 2016
Here is Coach Trotz’ post-game presser, in which he discussed the Winnik play.
#Caps head coach Barry Trotz talks to the media after his team’s 4-2 win against the Florida Panthers. #CapsCats #RockTheRed pic.twitter.com/FYsGRuJWus
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 21, 2016
Daniel Winnik’s wife, Taylor, tweeted out an update regarding his status on Friday morning:
For everybody who’s asking, Dan is doing well and we are fortunate there was no serious injury 🙂
— Taylor Winnik (@taytayruness) October 21, 2016
Complete game recap right here:
By Jon Sorensen
