Did Matt Duchene lose a part of his finger? Witness the play that caused horror injury

Nashville Predators forward Matt Duchene suffered a gruesome injury during his team's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 26. Duchene was hit in the hand by a slap shot from his teammate Dante Fabbro, causing visible pain.

As he made his way to the bench, fellow teammate Kiefer Sherwood quickly recoiled after seeing the extent of Matt Duchene's injury.

According to TNT analyst Darren Pang, part of Matt Duchene's fingertip was severed by the shot, specifically on his left ring finger. Although Predators coach John Hynes stated that Duchene would be out week-to-week with a hand injury, there have been no further updates.

This injury adds to the long list of injured players on the Predators. His injury has greatly decreased the team's chances of making it to the playoffs this season.

The team is currently five points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the second wild-card spot with seven games left in the regular season. According to MoneyPuck, the Predators have a mere 3.4 percent chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

Matt Duchene has been a key player for the Predators this season, leading the team with 22 goals and ranking second to Josi with 56 points in 71 games. However, his performance has been a step back from his 43 goals and 86 points produced in 78 games last season.

This injury is not the first time a player has suffered a partly-severed finger during a game. In 2017, Ottawa Senators defenseman Marc Methot famously lost part of his pinky finger after being slashed in the hand by Sidney Crosby.

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Matt Duchene and the Nashville Predators' performance in the 2022-23 NHL season

Nashville Predators v Los Angeles Kings

The Nashville Predators have had an up-and-down NHL season in 2022-23, currently holding fifth place in the Central Division with 84 points in 75 games. With 38 wins, 29 losses, and eight overtime losses, the team has struggled with consistency throughout the season.

One of the most significant challenges the Predators have faced this season is a long list of injured players. Despite these challenges, there have been some bright spots for the Predators this season. Goalie Juuse Saros has been outstanding, with a save percentage of .918 and a goals-against average of 2.72.

His excellent play has kept the Predators in many games. Additionally, Mikael Granlund has been a consistent offensive contributor for the team, with 10 goals and 30 assists in 74 games played.

However, the Predators' lack of consistency has been a significant issue for them this season. They have gone on several losing streaks, which hurt their chances of moving up in the standings and securing a playoff spot.