Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar is showing the kind of toughness that defines hockey. After taking a puck to the face in the second period of Saturday's 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues, Nazar lost two of his top front teeth. Despite the painful injury, the young forward is already planning his return to the ice.

Nazar is expected to suit up for Monday night's game against the Buffalo Sabres, wearing a protective cage over his face. His resilient attitude was clear when he downplayed the incident, stating, "Got it pretty good, but could be a lot worse. So pretty thankful." This isn't the first time Nazar has battled back from facial trauma this season; he missed a month earlier after breaking his jaw from a puck impact in December.

Selected in the first round of the 2022 NHL Draft, the 22-year-old is a key part of the Blackhawks' future, having recently signed a seven-year, $46.2 million extension. In his third season, he has contributed 15 goals and 26 assists through 64 games, demonstrating the skill that matches his grit.

In additional lineup news, defenseman Ethan Del Mastro, who was scratched Saturday due to an unspecified injury, is also expected to return to action against the Sabres, bolstering Chicago's defensive corps.