Islanders' Thomas Hickey leaves game after taking a skate to the face

New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey took a skate blade to the face and was forced to leave the team's game against Toronto on Tuesday night.

New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey was forced off the ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs after taking a skate to the face. 

The incident occurred at 16:38 of the third period, when Hickey fell while attempting to check Leafs forward Mike Santorelli. Santorelli's skate nicked the right side of Hickey's face, under his visor. Hickey did not return to the Isles' 5-2 loss.

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Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford day-to-day with injury

The Islanders have not released any updates on Hickey's condition, though it's clear that he had to have some work done. 

Asked someone how many stitches Thomas Hickey needed to close skate cut under mouth. "Too many to count."

— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) October 22, 2014

Hickey's accident comes days after Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker narrowly avoided a skate to the throat, and Dallas Stars defenseman Patrik Nemeth had his season ended by an arm laceration. 

-- Anna Celia Gallegos