Thanks to @jp_daddi0 for the screenshot

Back on October 26th in Calgary, Alberta, Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom‘s took a puck to the face. Midway through the second period, the Swede was hit in the jaw by an errant pass from Marcus Johansson. Backstrom, bleeding from his lip, returned to the bench. One of our readers caught him ripping one of his teeth out and handing it to the trainer. Yikes.

Playing the St. Louis Blues on Sunday night, Backstrom endured more facial violence. After recording three assists in the game, Nicky spoke to reporters in the locker room. His smile was somewhat less pearly.

According to the District Sports Page’s Katie Brown, Backy had lost another tooth. How did it happen?

Unlike the mystery of who squirted Troy Brouwer, this story is more straightforward.

After reviewing some game tape with Hana (the world-famous welshhockeyfan), Backstrom lost his tooth during a face-off with 1:37 left in the third period.

GIF by welshhockeyfan

As Backstrom chipped the puck into the corner, Maxim Lapierre nailed Backstrom with the blade of his stick. Nicky immediately clutched his mouth. Lapierre put his arm on Nicky’s shoulder as if to say I’m so sorry, dude.

But sorry can’t bring that beautiful smile back.

Video of Backstrom’s post-game interview where his tooth is missing.