Bruins center Noel Acciari was considered questionable for Thursday’s game against the Lightning. He required “extensive dental work” after taking a puck to the face during Tuesday’s game against the Sharks.
At game time, though, Acciari emerged wearing a full face protector attached to his helmet, ready to go.
“I always anticipated on playing,” Acciari told reporters postgame. “I mean, I’m okay with pain, so.”
Reporter: "Did you ever think about not playing?"
Noel Acciari: "No…I'm OK with pain." pic.twitter.com/ZY9AdDHJnY
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 1, 2019
In the third period, he forced a turnover just inside the Lightning’s blue line and crashed the net in time to collect the rebound after Chris Wagner’s shot.