The Boston Bruins defender had a lot of time after this play to think about what he did.
The Boston Bruins defender had a lot of time after this play to think about what he did.
Max Pacioretty can't seem to get a break. Boston Bruins blueliner Matt Grzelcyk speared the Washington Capitals veteran left-winger at the end of the first period of yesterday's matchup.
After the hit, Pacioretty rolled over onto his stomach, rolled over once again, and struggled to get up while clutching his midsection. He was doubled over as he left the ice.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3RmWajKu9w[/embed]
Pacioretty is no stranger to injuries. He spent nearly a year on long-term injury reserve after suffering an Achilles tear on Jan. 19, 2023 while playing with the Carolina Hurricanes, and starting again with the Capitals on Jan. 4 this year.
Days later, he suffered a lower-body injury playing against the Dallas Stars on Jan. 7 and only recently came back on Feb. 7.
The Bruins couldn't pull it together against the Capitals. They lacked offense against a team that's not even in the playoff picture. Mustering only 18 shots won't win you many games in this league.
Defensively, both teams blocked 11 shots.
In contrast, the Capitals came on strong offensively, with goals from stars Alex Ovechkin, Dylan Strome, and an assist and shot on goal from Pacioretty.
Despite his injuries, Pacioretty has gotten six assists in his past 10 games played.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14TT-UzdLJ4[/embed]
It was Capitals' goaltender Charlie Lindgren's third shutout of the season.
Bruins goaltending wasn't terrible, though. The last goal was an empty-netter, and Jeremy Swayman's save percentage still ended up being .926. He saved 25 of the Capitals' 27 shot attempts, which outstripped the Bruins by nine.
In the end, the Bruins fans booed their own team off the ice.
It is not clear if Pacioretty will be out in the long-term at this time.
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