Jake McCabe hit on Daniel Paille stuns Bruins winger

The Bruins may’ve had an easy wrap up of the Presidents’ Trophy today, beating Buffalo 4-1, but one of their forwards did not have a smooth game. Daniel Paille, who has been concussed twice this season – once in December and again in March, may’ve suffered a third one in today’s game. This high hit by Jake McCabe on a vulnerable Paille knocked the winger for a loop:

He was stunned on the ice, and not in much better shape when he got up. Paille appeared to be looking downwards a bit as McCabe came in from the hit, putting his head in a vulnerable position. Regardless of intent, McCabe was given five minutes for interference and a game misconduct for the hit.

After the game, McCabe said that the hit was unintentional.

“My intentions were shoulder to the chest,” McCabe said. “I don’t think I raised my elbow at all. That was my thought as soon as it happened.

“I got called for interference. I don’t think it was too late. He tried to go through me. I kept my hands down. It was just kind of an unfortunate play. His head was down. It’s too bad.”

To Paille’s credit, he did pass a concussion screening after the game. Better safe than sorry with the forward and his history, though.

About Laura Astorian

Laura Astorian is the head editor for the SB Nation blog St. Louis Game Time and has been a Blues fan from childhood. She promises that any anti-Blackhawks bias will be left at the door. Maybe.

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