Leafs Forward Narrowly Escapes Skate Cut to the Throat from Ryan Reaves in Alarming Clip

After going down 3-0 to the Senators on two quick, early goals in the second period, the Leafs were attempting to change the momentum on a forecheck in the Senators' zone, which led to the freak accident.

Ryan Reaves attempted finish his hit on defenseman Tyler Kleven in the corner which caused them both to fall awkwardly. In the process of falling, Reaves' skate came up and his leg swung outward catching an onrushing Holmberg just inches away from his throat.

Thankfully, Reaves' skate caught Holmberg in the chest, another inch or two higher and the result could have been catastrophic.

While Holmberg clutched his chest upon impact from Reaves' skate, you could see the concern on Reaves' face in the background, hoping that what he thought was happening wasn't actually happening.

The near miss was a reminder of how fast the game is and that freak accidents like the one that tragically took Adam Johnson's life when he was struck by an errant skate during an EIHL game last October.

Since the passing of Johnson, more players have begun to wear neck guards at the pro levels, and has seen the AHL make neck protection mandatory for this season.

While Holmberg avoided serious injury, the Leafs were unable to avoid being shutout for the second time this season to an Atlantic Division rival.