Just when everything seemed to be running smoothly in Pittsburgh (long winning streak, three new additions including Jarome Iginla), a Brooks Orpik slapper deflected off a stick and struck Sidney Crosby in the face.
Be warned. The video below will make you cringe as an unsuspecting Crosby takes a puck right to the mouth.
Crosby was able to leave the ice, but was unable to return to game as the Penguins battled the Islanders.
The NHL star wears a visor, a topic that's been widely discussed ever since Marc Staal took a puck to the eye, but this shot appeared to catch Crosby directly below his shield.
Details are slowly emerging on Crosby's injury, but this Tweet is enough to make any hockey fan wince.
#TribHKY >> Told by someone close to Crosby that injury is "mostly teeth." #pens
— Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) March 30, 2013
UPDATE: The Penguins announced Crosby required oral surgery and lost some teeth.
"Sidney Crosby took a puck to the teeth, and lost a few of those. He had to have oral surgery. We'll continue to evaluate and monitor that. That's the report on 'Sid' going to the hospital and losing teeth."
Crosby is out indefinitely after having surgery for a broken jaw.
SIDNEY CROSBY UPDATE: Out indefinitely after having surgery Saturday for a broken jaw.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 31, 2013