WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 21: Vladislav Namestnikov #7 of the Winnipeg Jets follows the play down the ice during second period action against the Colorado Avalanche in Game One of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canada Life Centre on April 21, 2024 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Jets defeated the Avs 7-6 and take a 1-0 series lead.

Namestnikov taken to hospital after being hit in face by puck

2 years ago

Darcy Finley / National Hockey League / Getty

Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness said forward Vladislav Namestnikov is being evaluated at the hospital after taking a puck to the face during Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Colorado Avalanche, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Namestnikov was struck by a deflected slap shot from teammate Nate Schmidt in the third period and was helped off the ice.

Vladislav Namestnikov heads down the tunnel after being hit in the face by a Nate Schmidt slapshot. pic.twitter.com/MR7Wq1WnfO
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 28, 2024

Bowness said Monday that Namestnikov is dealing with a fractured cheek bone but wouldn't rule him out for Tuesday's Game 5, according to team beat reporter Mitchell Clinton.

"He's a tough kid," the bench boss said.

Game 5 is a must-win for Winnipeg with Colorado up 3-1 in the series.

Namestnikov posted 37 points in 78 regular-season games for the Jets this season and averaged over 14 minutes per contest. He's registered one goal so far in the playoffs.