Oilers' Matt Hendricks' Cup Destroyed as He Takes Slap Shot in Sensitive Area

Getting hit by a slap shot, with all of its instantly bruising, skin-searing, muscle-crushing force, hurts. A lot. 

No stranger to blocking such shots, Edmonton Oilers left wing Matt Hendricks was well aware of this prior to Thursday night's contest. Alex Goligoski, however, ensured he would never forget.

From just a few feet in front of Hendricks, the Dallas Stars defenseman let fly for the net. Unfortunately, Goligoski caught him in the worst possible place as he turned into an unintentional block. 

No. 23 keeled over on the ice immediately after impact and was then helped to the dressing room, only to discover that his fate could have been much, much worse.

Though it cracked and warped in the line of fire, Hendricks' cup lived to serve and died to protect. 

Perhaps because of it, Hendricks will someday be able to look back on the event with humor. Today, however, is likely not that day. 

[Sportsnet Canada, h/t CBS Sports]