Frank Nazar Leaves Game After Puck Strikes His Face: The Chicago Blackhawks suffered an injury scare during their 5–3 loss to the St. Louis Blues after forward Frank Nazar was struck in the face by a puck during the second period.
The incident happened early in the second period when a puck hit Nazar directly in the face. The 22-year-old forward immediately dropped his stick and gloves before skating off the ice and heading to the locker room.
The injury forced Nazar to leave the game and he did not return.
Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill later explained that Nazar needed dental work after the incident but the team believes the injury is not as serious as it first appeared.
Frank Nazar, who suffered a broken jaw earlier in the season after taking a puck to the face, gets hit with a puck in a similar spot.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) April 11, 2026
He threw his glove down in frustration and went right to the room. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/Xk0TxnnAAG
Coach Jeff Blashill Provides Update on Nazar
After the game, Chicago head coach Jeff Blashill gave a positive early update on the young forward’s condition.
Blashill indicated that Nazar avoided a major injury and is currently considered day-to-day.
The team was particularly concerned because Nazar previously suffered a serious facial injury earlier in the season when a puck broke his jaw during a December game.
That injury kept him out for about a month before he returned to action in January.
Blackhawks vs Blues Game Summary
Despite a competitive effort, Chicago was unable to secure the win at the United Center.
Game Score
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Blackhawks | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| St. Louis Blues | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
The Blues scored three goals in the second period which proved decisive.
Key Performances in the Game
Chicago received strong offensive contributions from several players despite the loss.
Blackhawks Top Performers
| Player | Goals | Assists | Points | Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilya Mikheyev | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Ryan Greene | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Connor Bedard | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Anton Frondell | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
Mikheyev scored twice in the game, including Chicago’s second goal early in the second period.
Other Injuries During the Game
The Blackhawks also dealt with additional injury concerns during the matchup.
Chicago Injury Notes
| Player | Injury Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Frank Nazar | Day-to-day | Hit in face by puck, required dental work |
| Andrew Mangiapane | Day-to-day | Crashed into the net in the third period |
| Ethan Del Mastro | Injured | Scratched before the game |
Because of Del Mastro’s absence, forward Sam Lafferty was used as a defenseman during the game.
Frank Nazar’s Season Performance
Despite missing time earlier in the season, Nazar has had a productive year for Chicago.
Frank Nazar 2025-26 Season Stats
| Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 15 | 26 | 41 |
The young forward is in his third NHL season and has continued to develop as an important part of Chicago’s lineup.
He also signed a long-term contract extension worth $46.2 million over seven years last summer.
Tough Ending to the Season for Chicago
The Blackhawks currently sit at the bottom of the standings with a record of 28-38-14.
The loss to the Blues marked another frustrating result late in the season. Chicago has only two games remaining before the offseason begins.
With several injuries and a young roster still developing, the team will focus on finishing the season strong and preparing for the next year.
If Nazar misses time, it could impact the Blackhawks’ forward depth during the final games of the season.
However, early signs suggest the injury may not keep him out long.
The team will continue evaluating him in the coming days while monitoring swelling and dental recovery after the puck strike.
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