Blackhawks' Nazar Injured in 6-4 Loss to Senators

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Chicago Blackhawks suffered another setback on Saturday when center Frank Nazar sustained a facial injury during a 6-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators, leaving the team without two of its top young forwards amid a five-game skid.

Nazar, struck in the face by a puck shot by Senators defenseman Jordan Spence about five minutes into the first period, immediately skated to the locker room and did not return. The 21-year-old center, who turns 22 on January 14, is expected to miss approximately four weeks, according to reports following the game. Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill provided a straightforward assessment. "You saw the play," Blashill said. "He got hit right in the face." The injury appeared gruesome, with blood visible on Nazar's face, and it may require dental work that could influence his recovery timeline.

The loss marked Chicago's fifth consecutive defeat and extended a troubling stretch, with the team now holding a 3-11-2 record over its last 16 games. The Blackhawks were tied with Ottawa at 3-3 after two periods, but the Senators pulled ahead in the third with three goals, including two from David Perron. Tim Stützle contributed a goal and two assists...