Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets was taken to hospital after a stray puck broke his jaw.
Videos by Wide Open Country
On Sunday, February 2, the Blue Jackets played off against the Dallas Stars. Not only did the Blue Jackets lose the game 5-3, but they also lost a player.
The team's official X account shared that Kirill Marchenko has been "placed on Injured Reserve due to a broken jaw suffered in last night's game and will be out indefinitely."
Per the Daily Mail, Marchenko was sat on the bench when a fellow teammate, defenseman Denton Mateychuk, tried to clear the puck from the defensive zone. Somehow, the puck launched straight under Marchenko's face guard, breaking his jaw.
He was then seen immediately retreating to the locker room with a towel on his face.
He had to undergo surgery that night to fix his jaw. The team then made a post wishing the forward a speedy recovery.
Marchenko has been the team's scoring leader, with 21 goals. This loss is devastating to the fans, who have expressed their frustration. Of course, they've also wished him well, but don't reckon the team will even keep their playoff spot without him.
One rogue puck may have cost the Blue Jackets severely.
Supporters React To Marchenko's Injury
Fans of the team don't feel like the Blue Jackets have a chance without Marchenko. They shared their thoughts in the comments.
Some fans wished Marchenko to have a speedy recovery.
"Get well soon Kirill team needs you," wrote one supporter.
"Hope surgery went well and he recovers quickly and fully," well-wishes another fan.
"My goodness what terrible luck to a player that brings not only goals and assists, but a ton of energy," wrote another.
"We will miss you!" one other exclaims.
Others, however, feel the team is now doomed.
One fan made a poll asking fans, "Can the Blue Jackets keep their playoff spot with him out?" 156 fans voted either "yes" or "no," and it turns out almost 60% of them don't think the team will be able to.
Many gifs were also wordlessly shared to demonstrate the hopelessness those fans now feel.
"Nothing goes right for this team at all holy," writes one.
"He can have my jaw, I don't need it, take it please," a desperate fan joked.
I hope Marchenko recovers quickly, for the sake of himself and his fans.
