Leafs winger leaves Isles forward bloodied after a massive questionable hit, could face a suspension

Noel Acciari returned to the Leafs' lineup tonight, following a couple of days off after a scary collision with Jesse Puljujarvi on St. Patrick's Day. The injury occurred when Acciari was entering the defensive zone on a back-check, with Puljujarvi extending his arms to impede Acciari's progress, nailing him in the head and sending him crashing to the ice in some discomfort.

Acciari only missed one game due to his injury, but upon his return to the lineup, he threw a very dangerous hit on New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson. In the Islanders' zone, Nelson brushed past Acciari to retrieve the puck below the goal-line and as Acciari was approaching, Nelson made a quick pivot, turning his back to protect the puck. Unfortunately for Nelson, he left himself exposed and vulnerable, with Acciari nailing him right on the numbers.






Even though Nelson turned right as Acciari was about to deliver the bodycheck, it was definitely a dangerous play and one that could see him suspended. He got all of Nelson on that hit and although no penalty was called, it's something to keep an eye out for tomorrow and the days ahead.

Brock Nelson went straight to the locker room, bloodied and laboring, and did not come out for the second period.