Cizikas avoids serious injury after apparent cut from skate

This could have been so much worse.

New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas was rushed off the ice early in Tuesday's game against Washington after suffering an apparent cut from a skate.

After falling to the ice on the forecheck, Cizikas was seen being inadvertently stepped on. Medical staff ran to the scene and ushered Cizikas to the locker room.

Cizikas was, however, able to return prior to the end of the opening frame.