Tough as Ever: Rob Ray Struck by Puck, Continues Commentary Despite Injury
February 23, 2025
The incident left Ray with gashes above his eye and on his nose, along with a broken pair of glasses, as reported by Buffalo's WIVB-TV.
Ray's unique fighting style during his playing days led to the NHL implementing a rule known as the 'Rob Ray rule,' which allowed him to remove his jersey and shoulder pads during fights.
Since taking over as a color commentator in 2012, Ray has maintained the same scrappy demeanor in the broadcast booth that he displayed on the ice.
The game was briefly paused while Ray received attention, but he remained standing and indicated that play could continue.
Sabres' doctors checked on Ray's injury, but he did not leave the broadcast booth, continuing to commentate while waiting to get stitched up.
When asked about the puck's impact, Ray pointed to a noticeable bump above his eyebrows, which he described as 'golf ball'-sized.
Ray holds the Sabres' record for most penalty minutes in a single player's career at 3,189 and ranks sixth in NHL history with 3,207 penalty minutes overall.
Ray's immediate reaction to the puck hitting him was caught on a hot mic, where he exclaimed, 'Ah, fuck,' showcasing his characteristic toughness.
During a Buffalo Sabres game against the New York Rangers on February 22, 2025, Rob Ray, a former NHL enforcer and current broadcaster, was struck in the face by a deflected puck.
Despite suffering a gash above his left eye and damaging his glasses, Ray continued to commentate throughout the game, reminiscent of a similar incident from the previous season.
After the game, Ray received stitches above his eye and proudly displayed his injury on air, commenting on the unusual location of the welt.
The Sabres ultimately triumphed over the Rangers with a decisive 8-2 victory at home.
Summary based on 3 sources
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
ESPN • Feb 23, 2025
Sabres announcer Rob Ray shakes off puck to head mid-commentary - ESPN
Awful Announcing • Feb 23, 2025
Sabres announcer Rob Ray loudly curses after getting hit by puck, later proudly shows wound off