Charlie McAvoy took to social media Friday to share his feelings about the elbow he took to the face — without actually saying a word.
In a post on X, McAvoy uploaded a slowed-down clip of the high hit from Florida Panthers forward Sandis Vilmanis in the Bruins’ final game before the Olympic break, along with a photo showing the aftermath.
It occurred halfway through the first period of Wednesday’s game, with McAvoy missing the remainder of the frame but returning to start the second.
Vilmanis received a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head, while Bruins defenceman Jonathan Aspirot was handed a two-minute minor for roughing Vilmanis after the hit.
Boston’s bench was also given a two-minute minor for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“It was a brutal hit, and everyone saw it,” Bruins head coach Marco Sturm told reporters post-game. “Obviously, I had the opportunity to look at the replay, too. To come out with four-on-four like that, I just didn’t understand.”
McAvoy missed nearly a month earlier this season after taking a slap shot to the face, which fractured his jaw and resulted in him having surgery.
“I’m here to protect my guys, especially Charlie,” added Sturm. “If you target his head, which was clear to see, that just pisses me off.”
Vilmanis did not receive any supplemental discipline from the league afterwards.
McAvoy, who is part of Team USA for Milano Cortina 2026, has recorded 39 points in 45 games during the 2025-26 campaign.