Gotta See It: Let’s call it “pulling a Mendes,” after intrepid Sportsnet reporter Ian Mendes, who memorably was hit with a sharp foul ball during a live hit for the 2012 World Series yet kept on reporting.
Ice-level TV analyst John Giannone, situated in that little centre-ice cubby between the benches of the New York Islanders and New York Rangers, took a puck to the face during Thursday’s Battle of New York just as time was winding down on the second period. With the puck on his backhand, Rangers defenceman Marc Staal flipped the puck towards the boards and smacked the MSG Network’s talent right in the head. Staal immediately apologized and Giannone got patched up by the nearby training staff.
Happy to say I’ll be okay after stopping that Marc Staal clear with my face. Moral of the story: I checked the clock…and got clocked!! — JOHN GIANNONE (@jaygeemsg) February 8, 2013
Happy to say I’ll be okay after stopping that Marc Staal clear with my face. Moral of the story: I checked the clock…and got clocked!!
— JOHN GIANNONE (@jaygeemsg) February 8, 2013
Mendesesque in his will to soldier on, Giannone continues to talk as blood trickles down his face.
The whole scene plays out hilariously, like a Saturday Night Live sketch.
Best moment: As the period ends, the guys in the booth throw to old Al in the studio, and Al says, “Did I just see that?”
@michaeldelzotto Hahahaha!!’ Thanks pal. Good thing it hit me in the head. As you know, there’s not much up there. — JOHN GIANNONE (@jaygeemsg) February 8, 2013
@michaeldelzotto Hahahaha!!’ Thanks pal. Good thing it hit me in the head. As you know, there’s not much up there.
But seriously, million thanks to #NYR, especially trainer Jim Ramsay, doctors, staff, players & coaches for everything tonight. #firstclass — JOHN GIANNONE (@jaygeemsg) February 8, 2013
But seriously, million thanks to #NYR, especially trainer Jim Ramsay, doctors, staff, players & coaches for everything tonight. #firstclass
