VIDEO: Blue Jackets' Atkinson leaves game after taking a skate to the face
Ed Szczepanski / USA Today
Cam Atkinson suffered a scary injury in the third period of Friday's game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Atkinson was pursuing Ducks forward Ryan Kesler, whose right skate kicked out as he crossed the blue line and hit Atkinson up high. The Columbus Blue Jackets forward crumpled to the ice in considerable pain before leaving the ice holding a towel to his face.
Atkinson was lucky in the end. He avoided damage to his eye and head coach Todd Richards said the team isn't concerned about the injury.
#CBJ Cam Atkinson: "I can see. Thank God, I can see." Skate cut across his right eye lid, worst of the damage coming down thru his cheek.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) October 25, 2014