Vegas star Brayden McNabb hospitalised after frightening facial injury

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Brayden McNabb was taken to hospital during Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Carolina Hurricanes after being struck in the face by a puck.

The incident happened in the first period on Thursday night while McNabb was defending in front of Vegas goaltender Carter Hart.

Hurricanes forward Nikolaj Ehlers fired a shot from inside the blue line and the puck, travelling at 87mph, struck McNabb around the visor area.

McNabb immediately fell to the ice before eventually getting back to his feet and skating off while holding his nose.

According to ESPN, McNabb later left Lenovo Center for further medical evaluation at a hospital.

The Golden Knights did not provide an immediate update on the severity of the injury.

Following McNabb’s exift, defenceman Jeremy Lauzon moved into the top defensive pairing alongside Shea Theodore.

McNabb has been a key part of Vegas’ playoff run this season.

The 34-year-old has recorded one goal and six assists in 16 postseason games while averaging more than 20 minutes of ice time per match.

Vegas entered Game 2 leading the Stanley Cup Final series 1-0 against Carolina and also held a 1-0 advantage in the game when McNabb left the ice.