Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness said Monday forward Vladislav Namestnikov suffered a fractured cheekbone after getting hit by a slapshot during the third period of the Jets’ 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
Bowness also said that Namestnikov is expected to return to Winnipeg on Monday and hasn’t been ruled out for Game 5.
Namestnikov was in the slot when he was hit by a Nate Schmidt shot from the point. The puck deflected off Colorado’s Andrew Cogliano.
Namestnikov was down on the ice for about a minute before heading to the locker-room via the Avalanche bench. The fourth-line centre skated off under his own power with trainers at his side, towel pressed to his face.
Namestnikov had 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) over 78 games for the Jets this season. He has one goal over four playoff games.
Bowness also said that Brenden Dillon hasn’t been ruled out for Game 5 either, while forward Morgan Barron hasn’t skated yet and won’t play.
Game 5 between the Jets, who are down 3-1 in the series, and Avalanche is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. CT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
