Get Well Soon Jack Hillen

by Rafal Ladysz on Jan 27, 2010 5:22 PM EST

Jack Hillen is a young defenseman for the New York Islanders. His connection to the Buffalo Sabres is that he represents a New York-based squad and plays in the same Conference; that's it. On a penalty-kill yesterday, Hillen took a slap shot from Alexander Ovechkin right to the jaw which was broken as a result. The puck was deflected and the 24-year-old didn't have a chance of avoiding it with the speed it had. You can view the video below if you haven't already.

As writers covering our respective clubs, none of us like to witness a player get hurt and injuries have been a re-occurring theme this season. This situation concluded with some good in that the Capitals team was concerned standing by Hillen's side and the fact that he walked off the ice himself when a stretcher was made available. Out six to eight weeks, Hillen was enjoying a breakthrough campaign with 16 points in 48 games and a plus-six rating from the blue line.

It's a dangerous sport and these athletes are tough as nails, that goes without saying. And it's amazing to think of how these players put their bodies and careers on the line every time they step over the boards. Please leave any thoughts and support in the comment section. Let's hope for two things.

One, that Jack Hillen has a speedy recovery and two, that good health becomes the new common theme for the rest of the year.

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That was a really nasty shot. Hillen is in for a long and painful recovery and it’s come during a unfortunate period of his career. The refs blew the whistle on that one quickly and Roloson reacted promptly, you could probably hear his jaw break.
Nice to see Ovechkin inquiring while not making a show of it.

by Traver on Jan 27, 2010 5:41 PM EST reply actions

You hate to see that, no matter who the player is (with the exception of Chris Neil, Jarko Ruutu, and a lot of the others mentioned in the “who gets under your skin” post) and I think I can speak for the whole DBTB community when I say I wish him a speedy recovery (and a boatload of morphine).

by The Burl 8 on Jan 27, 2010 6:34 PM EST reply actions

Tough sport, to say the least

Goalies used to have this happen to them (pre-mask days), get stitched up and go back out in 10 minutes and play.

Hockey players have to be the toughest athletes going.

by ccthemovieman on Jan 27, 2010 6:44 PM EST reply actions

Very Nice Writeup

Hillen has been rock solid for the Islanders. Jack being out is a big loss because he is a shining example of the Isles “work your tails off” mentality thats allowed tohem to actually win a good number of games this season.

The Caps players were very respectful… and that kind of thing is really appreciated. Thanks for the kind words, guys!

Let Us Go, Islanders! (Ever notice how strange that sounds without the contraction?)

by TheMetalChick on Jan 27, 2010 8:55 PM EST reply actions

agreed

Actually nice to see Ovechkin show great sportsmanship and nice to see Hillen skate off on his own.

by North Java Sabra on Jan 27, 2010 11:04 PM EST reply actions

That was bad...

Get better Jack

"Be a wuss at home! Be a man on Rumblings!" - Kurupt

by bflo on Jan 28, 2010 8:18 AM EST reply actions

Its tough to watch this kind of stuff happen. I actually wouldn’t even wish this on players I hate (I’d rather they get their jaw broken by a fist instead).

Hopefully Hillen’s injury heals up properly and there won’t be too much permanent damage…

by lassathrax on Jan 28, 2010 12:42 PM EST reply actions

Wow.

This was definitely a HUGE scary moment for the Isles and their fans. Shame to see perhaps our best young defenseman go down like that. Good sportsmanship by Ovie and the Caps making sure he’s all right, and props to you for wishing him well. Much respect. :)

by islesrebelangel on Jan 29, 2010 11:26 AM EST reply actions