David Pastrnak was unfit to play for the Boston Bruins against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Thursday.
The Bruins expect to have a better idea Friday whether the forward will be able to play in Game 3 on Saturday (Noon ET; NBC, SN, TVAS), coach Bruce Cassidy said after Carolina won 3-2 to even the best-of-7 series.
“He was questionable from the game yesterday afternoon,” Cassidy said. “This morning, he was getting treatment. Unfit to participate, but we don’t believe it’ll be long term. It’s a day-to-day thing, we hope. So obviously, targeting Saturday at noon, but until we see him tomorrow, and tough Saturday at noon because it’s tough to get out skating for a morning skate type of thing. So it’ll probably be right down to game-time again on Saturday.”
As part of the NHL Return to Play Plan, teams are not permitted to disclose player injury or illness information.
Pastrnak had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 double-overtime win in Game 1 on Wednesday. He tied with Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin for the NHL lead during the regular season with 48 goals in 70 games.
“It’s a big hole for a team,” said Brad Marchand, who is Pastrnak’s linemate. “It’s no question. But collectively as a group, I thought we had a good game. I thought we had an opportunity to win. We weren’t good enough, but we’ll regroup and be ready for the next one.”
Wes Crosby contributed to this report