Bruins Defenseman Exits Rangers Tilt Early With Injury

The Boston Bruins finished their game against the New York Rangers on Saturday with only five defensemen.

Michael Callahan logged 5:49 of ice time across 11 shifts before taking an errant puck to the face in the second period.

Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski was trying to collect a loose puck from Pavel Zacha when the rubber caught the heel of his stick and deflected up into Callahan’s face.

Callahan has blood dripping down his chin as he skated off the ice and down the tunnel to the Bruins locker room.

The Bruins announced Callahan would not return with an upper-body injury before the start of the third period, with Boston holding a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Interim head coach Joe Sacco confirmed after Boston’s 6-3 win that Callahan “took a puck in the mouth” and was getting work done, according to audio provided by NESN’s Keagan Stiefel.

The Franklin, Mass. native was recalled from Providence after injuries to Boston’s blue line sidelined Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm. McAvoy returned to the lineup in the Bruins’ loss to the league-leading Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night, while Lindholm has returned to practice but does not have a return date.

Entering his third professional season with Providence, the 25-year-old made his NHL debut on Jan. 14 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Entering the game against the Rangers, Callahan has averaged 15:45 of ice time in four games with Boston.