The Bruins' Game 2 against the Hurricanes just got tougher.
Star winger David Pastrnak did not take the ice for pregame warmups and a few minutes later the team announced that he was deemed "unfit to participate" and will not play.
UPDATE: David Pastrnak (unfit to participate) will not play in tonight's game. #NHLBruins
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 13, 2020With "unfit to participate" being used by the NHL as a catch-all term for anyone who can't practice or play, it's hard to guess at the issue might be. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy had said earlier in the day that a couple Bruins were getting treatment during the day, but that he was planning to use the same lineup as Game 1 if everyone got the all-clear.
Twitter user @McguirePetrov pointed out that Pastrnak appeared to grab his abdominal region after celebrating Patrice Bergeron's game-winning goal, so it could be related to that. Pastrnak also missed Monday's practice, so it could be something he was already dealing with.
No Pastrnak tonight, looks like it might have been an abdominal injury of sorts, you can see here where he is celebrating the overtime goal he grabs his side #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/VzXSZfVTIR
— Petrov McGuire (@McguirePetrov) August 13, 2020According to NESN play-by-play man Jack Edwards, Karson Kuhlman was in Pastrnak's spot during line rushes, though we wouldn't be surprised if it's actually Anders Bjork there with Kuhlman slotting into the third line.
Pastrnak not in the lineup for 3-on-2s pregamer. Karson Kuhlman is the next man up.Bruins/Carolina Game 2 from Toronto on NESN at 8. Pregame on now.BEEEEEEETHERRRRRRRE. pic.twitter.com/sErWOBa3ZV
— Jack Edwards (@RealJackEdwards) August 13, 2020In other warmup news, James Reimer led the Hurricanes onto the ice for warmups, so it appears he will be the starting goalie after Petr Mrazek started Game 1. Tuukka Rask starts in net for Boston.
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