Watch: Lightning's Namestnikov bloodied after blocking shot with face

Hockey players are a special breed.

The latest to demonstrate this point is Vladislav Namestnikov of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who required immediate medical attention after blocking a William Nylander shot with his face.

The puck appeared to have been deflected by his stick, but the sting was no less painful, to be sure.

Namestnikov was patched up and returned to the game with haste.