While Auston Matthews was making history by becoming the first NHL player to score four goals in his debut, Connor Carrick was providing more cerebral contributions to the Leafs. In the third period of Toronto’s 5-4 overtime loss against the Ottawa Senators on opening night, the former Capitals defensemen blocked a puck with his temporal bone.

In the third period in a contest against the rival Sens, Carrick got down in front of goaltender Frederik Andersen to stop a shot from center Chris Wideman to protect a 4-3 lead. It worked — sort of.

Carrick shot block cc @kevindewey70 pic.twitter.com/S9TiwdmtNq

— steph (@myregularface) October 13, 2016

Play immediately stopped after which we were greeted by these lovely sights.

Despite being hit in the head, Carrick, 22, stayed in the game, playing nearly 19 minutes and leading all defensemen in the game with four shots.

Shot attempts at even strength through 60 minutes: Leafs 62, Senators 37. Matthews: 21-7. Hyman: 21-4. Nylander: 21-6. Carrick: 26-8.

— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) October 13, 2016