Bruins 3rd Line Center Riley Nash Ruled Out For Game 1 Of Playoff

As they prepare for the first game of their opening round playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday night at the Garden, the Boston Bruins have announced that they will be without third line center Riley Nash.

The team's head coach, Bruce Cassidy, broke the news to the media this morning, following the team's final practice.

"He's out [Thursday]," said Cassidy. "[He] worked out today, will skate tomorrow, but won't play tomorrow. Saturday [has] potential but we'll see how he progresses."

Cassidy said "it hurts" to be without the 28-year-old forward, who set career highs in goals (15), assists (26), points (41), plus/minus (+16) and average TOI (15:25) this season.

"He's an underrated guy that does a lot of little things well that we'll miss."

The hope is that Nash will be available by the weekend, though they will have to see how he responds to getting back on the ice prior to tomorrow's game.

In his absence the team will call on 26-year-old Noel Acciari, who got his first extended time with the team this season. In 60 games, Acciari tallied 17 points, with 12 goals and five assists.