Blue Jackets rookie defenseman Zach Werenski, who took a puck to the face in the second period of the Jackets Game 3 playoff loss to Pittsburgh, is out for the remainder of the season. Coach John Tortorella announced Monday that Werenski, has facial fractures and is out.
"It sucks for him. I just met with him in the office (Monday) and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is he's upset that he can't play," Tortorella said. "I've said it all along as we get more and more questions about that guy and what kind of pro he is. He is on a fast track path to be one of the mainstays in this league."
After suffering the injury, Werenski left the ice but returned to play the entire third period. When the game went to overtime, however, Werenski could not play because his right eye had swollen shut. Following the 5-4 loss Sunday, Werenski posted a selfie on Twitter, with the words "Playoff Hockey." As of Monday, Werenski's post had been re-tweeted more than 30,000 times.
With Werenski out and the Jackets in a 3-0 hole to the Penguins, Tortorella said he is unsure of what he'll do with his defensive pairings for Tuesday's Game Four. You can check out Coach Tortorella's Monday presser here.