The hole in the glass is small for photographers shooting NHL games. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The freelance photographer who worked the Buffalo Sabres’ 3-2 win over the Washington Capitals at First Niagara Center on Monday night was left bloodied by a puck that somehow sneaked through the small hole in the glass used to take unobscured pics of game action.

Taking a page from the players he was covering, though, the photog sucked it up, soldiered on and completed his assignment.

Footage shared on social media by the Capitals show how Jeffrey Barnes, a Buffalo-based photographer (as identified by The Big Lead), took a puck to the mouth area during the first period. Holding a towel to his bloodied face, Barnes was ultimately attended to by medical staff.

How Barnes displayed NHL-level resolve and proved no worse for wear given his commitment to his job presumably afforded him much respect from the players whose on-ice play continued to be chronicled by the tough-guy photographer.

It merits noting that this isn’t the first time a puck has inexplicably sneaked through the photographer hole in the glass. It nevertheless defies the odds whenever it does occur, however.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Donovan Mitchell channeled 'The Answer' in first-round win vs. Magic
Defending champion Golden Knights ousted by Stars in first round
Rangers hold off late Hurricanes rally to take early series lead
Watch: Kyle Larson wins closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history
Watch: Shohei Ohtani homers twice as Dodgers sweep Braves
Russell Westbrook reacts to reports of him leaving Clippers
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah joins elite company in victory vs. Tottenham
Anthony Edwards joins exclusive club of all-time greats
Aces sign All-Star G Jackie Young to contact extension through 2025
J.J. Watt reveals his thoughts on a potential NFL comeback
Taylor Pendrith outlasts Ben Kohles at Byron Nelson for maiden win
Andrey Rublev conquers Felix Auger-Aliassime, fever for Madrid title
Lando Norris wins Miami Grand Prix for his first career F1 victory
Watch: Astros woes continue in one-run loss to Mariners
Panthers star throws some shade at defeated Maple Leafs
NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas delayed
Watch: Juan Soto's three-run double gives Yankees 5-2 lead over Tigers in seventh
Pirates GM responds to calls to promote ace pitching prospect
Dodgers place right-hander on 15-day injured list
Former All-Pro CB medically cleared for football activities