“He’s a tough kid,” Vlad Namestnikov can play Game 5 despite being HOSPITALIZED after suffering from fractured cheekbone in game against Avalanche

Vlad Namestnikov reportedly can play in Game 5 of the Jets vs. Avalanche playoff series despite sustaining a heavy cheekbone injury on Sunday.

“He’s a tough kid,” Vlad Namestnikov can play Game 5 despite being HOSPITALIZED after suffering from fractured cheekbone in game against Avalanche

Vlad Namestnikov [Image Credit: TSN/X]

Winnipeg Jets forward Vlad Namestnikov can possibly participate in Game 5 of their playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche, as per latest reports. The 3-year-old suffered from a fractured cheekbone after being accidentally hit by a slap shot in the head. 

The whole scenario got extremely scary as the forward lay flat on the ice in obvious pain. It took him quite a few minutes to get himself up, but thankfully he could walk to the locker room with support from the medical team. 

YouTube video

The accident took place during the third period as the Colorado Avalanche held a lead of 4-1 with 13 minutes left on the clock. Although the Jets won the faceoff in the offensive zone, they lost center in an accidentally slap-shot incident.

FS Video

Namestnikov failed to get away from the puck’s line in time as his teammate Nate Schmidt blasted the puck in an attempt to make the net. The puck smacked the center right in the face as he fell to the ground and the game was put on pause for quite some time.

He was immediately taken to the hospital and was later diagnosed with a broken jaw. Much to the fan’s surprise it was later noted by Jets coach Rick Bowness that he won’t be ruling out the forward player for Game 5.

He’s a tough kid.
Rick Bowness as per Mitchell Clinton on X.

Fans pray for Vlad Namestnikov for a “speedy recovery”

The scene of Vlad Namestnikov collapsing on the icy floor was quite frightening. Fans on social media poured messages hoping for the forward’s quick recovery. Although the player is not in his 100%, he can reportedly still participate in Game 5.

Vlad Namestnikov [Image Credit: The Athletic]
Vlad Namestnikov [Image Credit: The Athletic]

His teammate Mark Scheifele said that it was an incident he never wishes to see happen to anyone playing the game, especially his own teammates. Commenting on the accident, he noted,

It’s scary. You never want to see that much blood, no matter what, no matter who it is. Especially a guy on our squad. That sucks. All you can do is hope and pray that he’s OK.
Mark Scheifele as per John Simmons of Outkick.

Both his teammates and fans are hoping for his “speedy recovery”. Whether he’ll be able to play in Game 5 is not yet confirmed, but hopefully, everyone will be able to see the forward player in his 100% soon. 

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