St. Louis Blues forward David Backes went to the front of the net, and paid the price that sometimes comes with the territory.
Trying to provide a screen in front of Florida Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo, Backes took a slap shot to the face just before the midway point of the first period of Monday’s game. The puck appeared to have been deflected before it hit Backes. He rushed to the bench, and to the dressing room.
But Backes did return in the second period, wearing a full face mask, according to Andy Strickland of CBS Sports Radio.
Updated: Backes left the game for good at the end of the second period.