Islanders' Hickey will play Thursday vs. Bruins after deep facial cut

After suffering a significant cut to the mouth area Tuesday night, New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey will return to the lineup wearing a full shield.

Arthur Staple of Newsday confirmed Hickey will not miss any games after talking to the defenseman Thursday morning. "I've been hit in the face with pucks before, so I just tried not to worry that it was really bad," Hickey said.

The jaw shield will be worn to protect the stitches Hickey required.