By: Tom Calautti | Follow me on Twitter @TCalauttis
Boston Bruins Fandom was put on notice two days ago when Team USA announced that Charlie McAvoy would miss Monday’s 4 Nations Faceoff game against Team Sweden. The situation became even more volatile when the Bruins organization announced yesterday that McAvoy was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital to undergo testing concerning an upper-body injury suffered earlier in the tournament. Today, the Boston Bruins issued a detailed update on the McAvoy situation.
According to the Boston Bruins’ official Twitter account, McAvoy sustained an injury to his right AC joint following Team USA’s contest against Finland on February 13th. When McAvoy returned to Boston, he developed pain and was evaluated by the Bruins medical team. After undergoing tests, McAvoy was diagnosed with ‘an infection in his right shoulder, as well as a significant injury to his AC joint.’ The full post can be found below:
The post says McAvoy underwent irrigation and debridement at Massachusetts General Hospital yesterday. As of today, he is still receiving treatment there, and his condition is improving.
McAvoy played some of the best hockey of his career while in Team USA’s lineup at the 4 Nations Faceoff. He was an integral part of America’s stout defensive corps, and he turned the tide of the US v. Canada showdown with his mammoth hit on Connor McDavid.
In the short term, Team USA loses one of its premier defensemen as it prepares for a rematch against Canada in the 4 Nations Faceoff Championship Game. In the long term, it could spell significant trouble for the Boston Bruins and their playoff hopes.
Boston (60 points) currently sits one point out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. To complicate things, there are seven teams within five points of the coveted last playoff position, and the Bruins have played more games than any of those teams.
The Black and Gold will return to the ice on Saturday in their first post-4 Nations game, and they’ll have to do so without a timeline on their best defender’s return.
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