Sandin Shares Update After Injury Scare, Puck To Leg: ‘Went A Little Numb’

ARLINGTON, V.A. — Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin knew he was in for a big shot block at the end of the second period of Wednesday's game against the Buffalo Sabres. He wasn't expecting the pain and major injury scare that would come with it.

The shot hit Sandin on the outside of the left leg, where there isn't any padding or protection from shin guards or pants. He went down in visible pain and was clutching at his knee while the trainer came out to attend to him. Capital One Arena went silent, and then clapped when he was helped off by T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom. Sandin was barely putting weight on that left leg as he made his way down the tunnel early.

"Just hit me in a really bad spot," he said. "My leg went a little numb and I couldn't really feel it."

After that, it was a waiting game, as Sandin navigated a rough intermission trying to regain full sensation in his leg. He did not join the team for the start of the third period before joining the team a few minutes into the final frame of action when he finally got feeling back in his leg. HIs team rally back and win 5-4 in the shootout.

"It was for 20, 25 minutes and then after that, it started to get better, so I was very happy and pleased with that," he said.

Sandin was a full go in his return to play on Wednesday and is good to go for Friday's game against the St. Louis Blues.

"It's getting better," he smiled.

Sandin's presence is good sign for Washington, as he has been averaging over 25 minutes per game and playing as the No. 1 defenseman with John Carlson still working his way back and Dmitry Orlov and Erik Gustafsson no longer in D.C. to provide top-4 support. Through six games so far, Sandin has a goal and eight assists for nine points.