Boston Bruins right winger Chris Wagner has been ruled out for the team’s next match-up against the Carolina Hurricanes. The forward took a shot off the right forearm late in the third period of the Bruins game three victory. The shot came from Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk.
Wagner immediately clutched his wrist as he headed off the ice. He would not return to the game and was missing from practice on Wednesday afternoon. Head coach Bruce Cassidy informed reporters that Wagner would be heading back to Boston for further tests.
Per #NHLBruins coach Bruce Cassidy: Chris Wagner returned to Boston for further testing and is out tomorrow. A further update will come “down the road.”
Noel Acciari will return to the lineup in Wagner’s spot. pic.twitter.com/Z6p5bWEJMR
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 15, 2019
Chris Wagner To Miss Game Four For Bruins
While Wagner only has two points in the playoffs, he has been a vital part of the Bruins fourth line. Alongside Sean Kuraly and Joakim Nordstrom, the line has provided solid depth for the team. One of Wagner’s two goals actually came earlier in the game. The fourth line forced a turnover, leading to a tap-in goal for Wagner. Both of his goals have come in this series.
…the Bruins struck first in the 2nd when Walpole, MA native Chris Wagner opened the scoring… pic.twitter.com/1KCljAbgfi
— #StanleyCup on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) May 15, 2019
This is Wagner’s first stint in the playoffs since the 2016-17 season with the Anaheim Ducks. He posted three goals in 17 games. Wagner has five career playoff goals in 33 games. Looking at his regular season, it was sort of a breakout year for Wagner. He posted a career high 12 goals in 76 games, the most he has played in a season. His 19 points were also a career high.
In his place, Noel Acciari will step in on the fourth line. Acciari has not played since the fourth game of series against the Blue Jackets where he was injured. He was cleared to play last game, but Cassidy opted to stay with his current lineup.
Acciari has a goal and assist in 11 playoff games. He has posted three goals and two assists in 27 career playoff games. In 72 regular season games, Acciari had six goals and eight assists for the Bruins.
There is no timetable for Wagner’s return. A further update will come down the road. The Bruins are set to take on the Hurricanes on Thursday night for Game 4.
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