Update: Canucks’ Hamhuis ‘probably broke his jaw’ when hit in the face by errant slapshot

In a scary incident late in Tuesday night’s game between the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers, Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis was struck in the face by an errant Dan Boyle slap shot. Hamhuis was bleeding profusely and was helped off of the ice and down the tunnel in obvious pain.

Hamhuis, who wears a visor, left the arena on a stretcher and “probably has a broken jaw” according to Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins.

You can see the sequence here.

Though Hamhuis was in immediate distress on the ice, the officials allowed play to continue as the Rangers peppered several scoring chances at Ryan Miller (and the Canucks took a penalty). I don’t like to second guess decisions made in real time since hockey is a fast game an officiating it at its highest level isn’t easy. With the benefit of hindsight, it’s clear the play should’ve been blown down immediately though…

Hamhuis has taken a lot of flak in the Vancouver market of late, but he remains a credible second pairing defenseman. The Canucks are scheduled to head out on a six-game road trip this weekend and considering the apparent extent of his injury, it seems unlikely that Hamhuis will able to join them.