April 17 (UPI) -- A facial fracture ended Zach Werenski's season Sunday in the first round of the NHL playoffs. But his attitude is the stuff of NHL legends.
The Columbus Blue Jackets rookie took to social media Sunday night to post a simple message with a picture of his bruised and scarred face: "Playoff hockey..."
Coach John Tortorella told reporters Monday that Werenski is done for the season.
He was hurt in the second period when Pittsburgh Penguins' Phil Kessel shot the puck. It went up Werenski's stick and hit him in the face. Blood smeared on the ice as he skated to the bench. The defenseman returned to the game briefly for the third period but sat out in overtime.
"I'm just proud of the leadership he showed coming back and trying to play and make a difference. It speaks to the maturity of the kid. He's a warrior. I'm proud of him," Tortorella told NHL.com.
He finished his season with 11 goals and 49 points as a finalist for the Calder Trophy.
Playoff hockey... pic.twitter.com/4GNoLYVECu
— Zach Werenski (@ZachWerenski) April 17, 2017
Werenski's Blue Jackets trail the Penguins 0-3 in the series.
"Werenski's probably our best player, sure (it was tough), but it's part of it."#CBJ pic.twitter.com/fkEk8JlFhl
— ColumbusBlueJackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 17, 2017
Game 4 is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
