Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy on Friday provided updates on forwards Riley Nash and Tommy Wingels ahead of Saturday’s first-round playoff game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden.
Nash, who has been sidelined since March 31 with an ear laceration, is doubtful, while Wingels is questionable after leaving Thursday night’s Game 1 win in the third period following a questionable hit by Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri.
Nash required more than 40 stitches after being struck in the head by a puck, but it sounds like he also dealt with concussion-like symptoms, hence his six-game absence thus far. The good news is Nash skated Friday, although he wore a non-contact sweater.
Wingels didn’t practice Friday. He was tended to on the ice Thursday and exited Boston’s 5-1 victory after Kadri slammed his head into the boards with just under 12 minutes remaining.
Kadri, who received a five-minute charging major and a game misconduct, didn’t practice for the Maple Leafs on Friday and could face a suspension for his cheap shot.
All things considered, here are the lines each team used Friday:
Noel Acciari filled in for Nash as Boston’s third-line center Thursday and likely will remain there Saturday unless Nash surprisingly returns. Ryan Donato, who was a healthy scratch for Game 1, could take Wingels’ roster spot and play on the third line, with Danton Heinen shifting down to the fourth-line position previously occupied by Wingels.
