Hold your breath.
The last thing the Blue Jackets need at this juncture is a significant injury to one of their top players. After tonight's game, they're hoping for the best.
Zach Werenski, who's been targeted a few times in recent games, received a hard hit in his own end courtesy of Alex Ovechkin, who wasn't the only Capital to take a run at Columbus' No. 8 in this game. Werenski was in noticeable pain as he skated slowly back to the bench (see GIF above) and did not return to the game.
“That's part of the life of a defenseman,” Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella said following the game.
“You can't hold up in the league and the body-checking is part of it. Were they targeting him? You'll have to ask them. I don't look at it that way. That's part of the game. As far as his health, I have not talked to the trainers yet.”
Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch did have this on the injury:
Told #CBJ D Zach Werenski does NOT have any fractured bones. Good news there, but doesn't necessarily rule out other long-term injuries.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 3, 2017
It goes without saying that the Blue Jackets could ill afford an injury to Werenski, who's been arguably the most impactful rookie in the NHL this season and a breakthrough player on their blueline. He has already set Blue Jackets rookie franchise records for points in a season and, before his injury, was making a run at the club's single-season record for points by a defenseman.
As for Ovechkin's role? The NHL will take a look:
Told #NHL has tagged #Caps Ovechkin's hit on #CBJ Werenski for review. Doesn't mean supplemental discipline is coming, but will be reviewed.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 3, 2017
