Screencap courtesy of Sportsnet 360

When coaches tell players that they should use their head to help them get an edge on the scoresheet, they typically don’t mean it in a literal sense. Jake Virtanen, on the other hand, executed the strategy by the book, taking a puck to the face, unintentionally (we hope) beating Cam Talbot to give the Canucks an insurance tally late in the second period of Thursday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers.

The goal was Virtanen’s second of the pre-season, and accompanied an assist he picked up by setting up Bo Horvat in the opening frame. Unfortunate trajectories aside, Virtanen made the right play here, causing commotion in front of the net and getting in Cam Talbot’s way.

Virtanen stayed on the ice after the goal was scored, with blood dripping out of some part of his face. We’re not 100% sure what exactly got damaged, but one would assume it either made impact with his nose, or cut him open near his forehead . Whatever the case, he hinted to the fans that he was okay as he left.

You cannot murder Jake Virtanen. He may only murder you. pic.twitter.com/dFMaNvnW55 — CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) October 2, 2015



Connor McDavid is probably panicking in the dressing room as we speak. Through two periods, the Canucks are up 4-2 over the Oilers. We’ll have a recap for you when the game is done!

UPDATE: Virtanen returned for the third period, complete with some patchwork next to his left eye. Needless to say, I wouldn’t want to be in a back alley with this kid, and I mean that in the best possible way.

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