Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Rips Shot that Splits Ear of Penguins' Ron Hainsey

Playoff hockey in the NHL is all about sacrificing your body on each and every shift in an effort to preserve a lead or build your team an advantage in a series.

Well, Pittsburgh Penguins veteran defenseman Ron Hainsey did just that on Saturday night, and his ear paid the price when this shot from Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin struck him where there is no protection whatsoever.

Man, that’s hard to watch.

Human instinct is to turn away from a shot rifled at your face, but the shield on a hockey helmet actually offers more protection in the front than on the sides.

Hainsey’s ear took the brunt of this blast – hopefully he’s able to get back out there soon in this series.