You hate to see these kinds of moments.
During Game 4 between the Colorado Avalanche and Winnipeg Jets, former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov was injured after taking a Nate Schmidt slapshot directly to the side of the head. It was a freak play, as Schmidt's slapshot went off Avalanche forward Andrew Cogliano's stick and, unfortunately, hit Namestnikov because of it.
Following the injury, Namestnikov needed help from the trainers to get off the ice and held a towel to his face.
Following the game, Jets head coach Rick Bowness shared that Namestnikov was taken to the hospital.
At this juncture, there has not been an update about Namestnikov's status for Game 5. However, given what has happened, it seems quite likely that he will be sidelined.
Namestnikov, 31, appeared in 78 games this season with the Jets, posting 11 goals and 37 points. In four playoff games with Winnipeg, he has a goal.
Namestnikov spent his first five seasons with the Lightning and rejoined them during the 2022-23 season before being dealt to the Jets. In 320 games with the Bolts, he had 59 goals and 138 points.
Here's to hoping that the veteran forward has a speedy recovery from here.
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