Johnny Boychuk Day-to-Day After Crash

New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk is considered day-to-day after crashing into the end boards in a game against the Buffalo Sabres on New Year’s Eve.

It was an intense collision that could have gone much worse.

Boychuk went to hit Buffalo’s Jack Eichel who was racing for a loose puck on the forecheck, but Eichel turned the opposite way Boychuk expected and Boychuk went crashing full speed, head first into the end boards. Thankfully, he protected his head and neck, tucking his head down enough to just go shoulder first into the boards.

Following the crash with just 4:27 left in the Isles’ win, Boychuk left the game, holding his left arm.

Coach Jack Capuano said after the game, “Fortunately for us, Johnny skated off on his own and he’s only day-to-day.”

If Boychuk’s injury is anything more than day-to-day, it’d be a huge loss for the Islanders, who rely heavily on Boychuk. He’s third among all defensemen in total ice time, playing the most shorthanded time and third most power play time.

Though they are currently second in the Metropolitan Division, they’re only five points from being outside the playoffs.

UPDATE:

Capuano on Boychuk. "It's going to be a little while for him. Definitely a huge loss for us but we have to step up and do the job."

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) January 1, 2016

Hey, finally arrived in Pittsburgh! One more note on Boychuk injury — means there's about a 0.0% chance Hamonic is moved this season.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) January 1, 2016