Richard Panik is now in the running for the grossest Capitals’ injury of the 2019-20 season.

Saturday, against the New Jersey Devils, Panik absorbed a high-stick from Miles Wood. Panik left the game bleeding profusely from the mouth.

The Miles Wood high stick on Richard Panik that resulted in his face shield tonight pic.twitter.com/8GGu9Qyza8

— Ian Oland (@ianoland) January 14, 2020

Panik did not end up returning to the game and now we know why.

Capitals said Panik (cut with high stick in 2nd) was probable to return, but he's yet to do so with 6:44 left. It seems like he's not coming back

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) January 12, 2020

According to the NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti, Panik had to get 20 stitches on the inside of his mouth. The high stick detached Panik’s gums from his lower lip.

Richard Panik again wearing jaw/lower face guard after needing 20 stitches inside his mouth from high stick on Saturday.

He said his gums were detached from his lower lip. (shivers)

— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) January 13, 2020

Well, that is harrowing.

Two days later, Panik was back playing for the Capitals, sporting a face shield. What a warrior.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps vs Canes

Headline photo: NBC Sports Washington