Overview
- McAvoy posted a side-by-side video and selfie on X showing significant swelling after being elbowed in the face during the first period against Florida.
- Officials assessed Sandis Vilmanis a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head, and McAvoy was helped off the ice before returning to play.
- Boston incurred additional penalties for retaliation on the sequence, including a roughing minor to Jonathan Aspirot and a bench unsportsmanlike.
- The Panthers won 5-4 in a shootout in Sunrise, with Bruins coach Marco Sturm labeling the play a “brutal hit” in his postgame comments.
- SportsNet reported no supplemental discipline for Vilmanis, while McAvoy is still slated for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics after previously fracturing his jaw this season.