FOR THE WIN

Blue Jackets' Matt Calvert gets 36 stitches in face, returns to score winning goal

Alysha Tsuji
USA TODAY
Matt Calvert #11 of the Columbus Blue Jackets is congratulated by William Karlsson #25 of the Columbus Blue Jackets after scoring a short handed, game winning goal, during the third period of the game against the New York Rangers on November 18, 2016 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus defeated New York 4-2.

This is another one of those stories that demonstrates the crazy toughness of hockey players.

On Friday night, the Columbus Blue Jackets' Matt Calvert took a puck to the face in the second period that caused blood to drip and form a small puddle on the ice. ( You can watch the bloody video - if you really want to - below.)

Calvert of course left the game to get checked out, and then he returned in the third period - and he scored the game-winning goal to beat the New York Rangers.

Per Aaron Portzline of TheColumbus Dispatch, Calvert received 36 stitches, and he somehow passed the NHL's concussion protocol before returning.

Here's the graphic, bloody video. Again, warning, it's tough to watch.

He was photographed smiling afterwards.

Hockey players, man.