Retired NHL Star Rob Ray: Back in the Hot Seat
Retired NHL star Rob Ray, a former Buffalo Sabres winger, found himself back in the spotlight for a less-than-pleasurable reason during a game against the New York Rangers on Saturday night. The 56-year-old, now serving as a rinkside reporter, took a puck straight to the center of his forehead, an incident that sent shockwaves through the arena and the broadcast. “Oh, f***!” Ray exclaimed, a vivid exclamation that captured the excruciating pain he was experiencing. This is not the first time Ray has faced such an ordeal; he had a similar incident in December 2023, though this time the impact was more severe. MSG Network’s Dan Dunleavy, using Ray’s nickname "Rayzor," quickly noted the severity of the situation: “And Rayzor just took another one… and that was a rocket. Doctors are checking out Rayzor very quickly. That was very close to the eye.”
The Incident and Immediate Response
The puck, which appeared to come off the stick of left wing Beck Malenstyn, struck Ray with such force that it left a swollen, plum-sized wound on his forehead. Malenstyn, recognizing the extent of Ray’s pain, immediately stopped play. Sabres doctors swiftly attended to Ray, who, true to his hockey player roots, managed to stay in the game. “Got a couple there on the eyebrow, couple of little stitches,” Ray reported to his broadcast partners after receiving medical attention and returning to his rinkside position. He joked about the size of the wound, comparing it to a golf ball, but it was clear that the impact was far from normal.
A Familiar Face in the Rinkside Role
Ray’s resilience is a testament to his 15-year NHL career, where he was known for his toughness and an impressive record of 250 career on-ice scuffles, according to HockeyFights.com. He dropped the gloves 27 times in the 1995-96 season and another 25 in 1990-91. The NHL even created what is known as the "Rob Ray rule" in response to his tactic of shedding his gear during brawls to give opponents less equipment to grasp. Now, players who remove their jersey during a fight are automatically given a game misconduct. Despite his storied career, Ray’s transition to rinkside reporting has been marked by a few unexpected moments, including his recent run-ins with pucks.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans were quick to react to Ray’s on-air profanity, with many expressing understanding and support. “I do believe that is the correct response,” one fan wrote on X. “Totally gets a pass for that one,” another added. One Instagram user summed it up best: “I think everyone agrees you get to say that when you take a puck to the face.” The incident also provided fodder for humorous comments, particularly directed at the struggling Sabres. “Good thing it was a home game, nobody probably heard him,” one fan quipped.
The Game’s Outcome and Team Performance
Despite the dramatic moments, the Sabres managed to pull out an 8-2 win over the Rangers, a significant victory for a team that has been struggling this season. Tage Thompson, Ryan McLeod, and Rasmus Dahlin all scored a pair for Buffalo, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess. The win was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the Sabres, and Ray’s presence, both on and off the ice, seemed to add a touch of toughness and resilience to the team’s spirit.
Reflecting on a Career and Moving Forward
Rob Ray’s career, both as a player and now as a broadcaster, is a testament to his enduring passion for the game. His ability to handle unexpected and painful situations with grace and humor is a quality that few possess. As he continues to work rinkside, it might be wise for Ray to dig his old helmet out of storage. After all, in hockey, anything can happen, and being prepared is half the battle.
