Penguins' Marino out 3-6 weeks after taking slap shot to face

The Pittsburgh Penguins' injury woes continue.

Rookie defenseman John Marino underwent successful surgery Monday after taking a slap shot to his face on Thursday and is out three-to-six weeks, the team announced.

Marino was able to skate off the ice with the help of a trainer but did not return to the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

While it was initially believed Marino had avoided a serious injury, he was later diagnosed with three broken bones in his cheek that would require surgery, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's Matt Vensel reported Friday.

The 22-year-old has been a revelation for the Penguins on the blue line this season. He's racked up five goals and 25 points in 51 games while averaging 20:19 minutes of ice time.

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