You probably won’t find a consensus between Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets fans on the goal that came while Zach Werenski was writing in pain on the ice (and, it turns out, bleeding).
There’s little arguing that 1) it caused a nasty wound, 2) Werenski is tough for coming back soon after and 3) he likely won’t ever forget this night, considering that Game 3 also included the first postseason tally of his promising young career.
So, yeah, if you want another example of “hockey tough,” here you go:
Zach is back! #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/YojrAEzH6s
— NBC Sports Hockey (@NBCSportsHockey) April 17, 2017
Now, about that goal ... well, the Columbus Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline unearthed an interesting no-comment in that regard.
#NHL on-site officiating supervisor Don Koharski refuses to say if correct call was made by play continuing with Werenski down, bleeding.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 17, 2017
The Penguins and Blue Jackets are both in overtime. One would imagine that the debate could get angrier if Pittsburgh manages a win.
Update: Werenski might not be OK overall, however, as he hasn’t played in overtime. PHT will keep an eye on his status as the game goes on (and failing that, in the next few days).
Have not seen #CBJ D Zach Werenski in this OT period.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 17, 2017
And more after the loss:
Werenski did not play in OT because he could not see out of his right eye.
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) April 17, 2017