This is gruesome
An update on center Craig MacDonald, who had to leave Thursday's game after being hit in the mouth with a wrist shot from Maple Leafs defenseman Hal Gill.
The team said on Friday MacDonald lost nine teeth, five cleanly while four were shaved in half. He received about 50 stitches to his tongue and the inside of his lower lip, and a few more on his chin.
As if that weren't enough, Friday morning he needed three root canals.
Amazing that given all that damage he skated himself off the ice and is still listed as possible for Saturday's game. Hey, he's a hockey player.
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
Why are you calling him Mac? He comes from the "Hedges" family of MacDonalds so by default he is known as Craig "Hedges", or just plain "Hedges"... not Mac. Just a little history of his for ya. ;)
Posted by: Buddy | January 02, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Wow! Mac is definitely demonstrating what toughness and perseverance is all about. This is the kind of guy you need in your locker room. In fact, I just might order a #29 jersey (hopefully not in the hideous new design).
Posted by: GoGators | December 27, 2007 at 01:52 AM
Jezz, poor guy. I dont care if your a hockey player or not that had to hurt like hell. Hopefully, a speedy and good recovery!
Posted by: Natalie | December 21, 2007 at 11:20 PM
I lost twelve teeth in a bar fight two years ago so it doesn't sound like a big deal to me. And hockey chic is right..they have made great strides in dental restoration.
Posted by: Mike Tyson | December 21, 2007 at 06:19 PM
I can't imagine losing 9 teeth all at once and right before Christmas too. The only positive side of all this is if you can't play Saturday, Mac you have the three days after that off and can recuperate. Get well soon Mac!
Posted by: Nan | December 21, 2007 at 05:48 PM
I agree that hockey players are the toughest and Mac is no exception. The good news is that he has some teeth left right?
The other good news is that they have gotten so much better at doing root canals that it does not hurt at all. The shots hurt worse than the canal themselves.
Hang in there Mac and I am sure you will be eating solid foods very soon. Thanks for taking one for the team literally. I for one would never ask Santa for any new teeth for you as I hated that song as a kid. I was always losing teeth and it is a wonder I still play hockey.
Rest up and to all the nay sayers that was a hell of a game last night. Close but a win we will take it. Our club came thru for Ramo and I was so glad for him and our team. Way to pull together fellas.
While I have been accused of having rose colored glasses there were some mistakes, poor DJ, but we can learn and build on it.
Lets get another one guys.. Go Bolts.
I agree with the other posters and am wondering why the feaster remark is here. This has nothing to do with Feaster we are concerned with Mac and his well being.
Posted by: hockey chic | December 21, 2007 at 05:33 PM
We may argue about his skill level, but I don't think anyone can question his heart and determination. If everyone else had his intestinal fortitude just imagine.
Hope you heal fully and soon Mac!
Posted by: Randy | December 21, 2007 at 05:29 PM
P.S. to Marcel... What does Jay Feaster have to do with this story at all ??
You are a moron... I am sure Craig MacDonald wants to hear about Jay Feaster while he is lying in a dental chair staring through the TRAIN WRECK that was his smile yesterday.. Yeah, that's EXACTLY what he wants to talk about...
moron...
Posted by: Tim | December 21, 2007 at 05:19 PM
Watching the game last night, you knew it was bad as soon as it happened.........but NINE TEETH.....???!!! DAMN !!! Kind of puts a new meaning to that Christmas song.. " All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.".. Get well soon, Mac...
Posted by: Tim | December 21, 2007 at 05:14 PM
Jay Feaster no longer has any credibility. His Personnel decisions are very suspect. I cringe when he opens his mouth. There must be another GM some where.
Posted by: marcel | December 21, 2007 at 03:55 PM
That a way to stay on Point there Marcel,We are now sure you have no credibility.
What a lousy way to spend Christmas.
Dang that blows
Posted by: Badbud | December 21, 2007 at 04:22 PM
When folks write about us being stuck with half the club as so called career minor leagers, I've just got one thing to say,"Eat this!"
Take tomorrow off and heal well Mac.
Posted by: Casper | December 21, 2007 at 04:18 PM
I hope Craig Macdonald recovers ok from this injury.
Posted by: marcel | December 21, 2007 at 03:58 PM
Soccer and Basketball players take note. I can't bear watching you roll around in agony over nothing.
Posted by: 74 | December 21, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Jay Feaster no longer has any credibility. His Personnel decisions are very suspect. I cringe when he opens his mouth. There must be another GM some where.
Posted by: marcel | December 21, 2007 at 03:55 PM
That sucks!!!
Posted by: Not The Marlboro Man | December 21, 2007 at 03:52 PM
9 teeth? 3 root canals?
I want to wear a mouthguard just reading the story. Good luck and some painkillers to him for the recovery.
Posted by: Jonathan | December 21, 2007 at 03:25 PM
Another arguement for hockey players being the toughest guys in all of sports. Will he be able to play in the next game?
Posted by: Brendan | December 21, 2007 at 03:24 PM