WATCH: Maple Leafs star Chris Tanev left BLOODIED after taking puck to the face in game against Islanders

Toronto Maple Leafs star Chris Tanev took a shot to the face which left his mouth covered in blood against the New York Islanders.

WATCH: Maple Leafs star Chris Tanev left BLOODIED after taking puck to the face in game against Islanders

Chris Tanev was hit by the puck on the face (Image via X/Yardbarker)

Over the years gone by, Chris Tanev has made a huge name for himself by putting his body on the line to block a shot. The Toronto Maple Leafs star once again did this as he blocked a vicious shot during the game against the New York Islanders. He was left bloodied after the puck smashed his face.

This was not the first time that Tanev had taken a shot to the face. He once lost several of his teeth after taking a hit to the face.

YouTube video

In the second period of the game, the Maple Leafs found themselves leading 1-0. As the Islanders tried to get back in the game, they kept on knocking on the door of the opposition.

Mathew Barzal would attempt a long-range shot. His effort took a slight touch of Jake McCabe‘s stick and hit Tanev right in the face. The 35-year-old defenseman would quickly get back and leave the field after taking this hit.

His mouth was covered with blood. On the way back to the tunnel, he would spit out a bloodied-gum from his mouth. Check out the video of this incident below:

He would return to the game later on. In 36 games this season, he has blocked a total of 102 shots. Tanev and his teammates ended the year with a 3-1 win, improving their record to 23-12-2.

Maple Leafs members laud Chris Tanev’s efforts against NY Islanders

In the game against the New York Islanders, Chris Tanev took a massive blow. Despite this, he would return to the action later on and help his team see out the game. His efforts have earned huge praise from his teammates and his coach Craig Berube.

Chris Tanev
Chris Tanev (Image via Yardbarker)

In the press conference after the game, coach Berube called him “old school” and “gamer” and appreciated his toughness.

He’s old school, for sure, and he’s a gamer, all around. He lays it on the line. I was expecting him back sooner than later. He’s a special player. Just how he thinks the game and plays the game, not a lot of those guys around anymore. We’re very fortunate to have him.

Craig Berube said as per NHL.com

Goaltender Joseph Woll called him an “underrated” player and praised him for his performances in front of him.

You guys see it out there. He’s very underrated, I think, even when people talk about how good he is defensively. He’s so poised with the puck, he makes great plays, and he blocks a lot of shots, he’s a goalie’s best friend back there.

Joseph Woll said in the post-game conference as per NHL.com

Meanwhile, Morgan Rielly called him an “ultimate type of warrior” for his efforts. As the New Year kicks in, Tanev will be a key member of the Toronto Maple Leafs as they try to claim their first championship since 1967.