Bruins leading scorer David Pastrnak leaves game with upper-body injury
Boston Bruins right wing Justin Brazeau (55) is congratulated by teammates after his goal against the Washington Capitals during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Boston. Credit: AP/Charles Krupa
BOSTON — Boston Bruins leading scorer David Pastrnak left Monday night's game against the Washington Capitals in the second period with an undisclosed upper-body injury and did not return.
Coach Joe Sacco provided few details on the 28-year-old forward's condition after the 4-1 victory over the Capitals.
“I’ll get more details on that either later tonight or tomorrow,” Sacco said.
Pastrnak skated away gingerly after a seemingly innocuous collision with Capitals forward Tom Wilson about three minutes into the second period. He appeared to be uncomfortable on the bench but did briefly return to the ice before heading to the locker room.
The team announced during the third period that he was “unlikely to return,” and he did not.
A three-time All-Star who tied for the most goals in the NHL in 2020, Pastrnak had 12 goals and 23 assists in the Bruins' first 35 games this season.
