James Hagens exits Bruins win over Penguins with injury

Boston Bruins rookie forward James Hagens left Thursday night's 6-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins early in the third period after suffering an apparent injury. Hagens took a cross-check to his lower back from Pittsburgh defenseman Samuel Girard while driving toward goaltender Artūrs Šilovs. After being evaluated by athletic trainers on the bench, Hagens headed to the tunnel and did not return to the game.

Bruins head coach Marco Sturm had no immediate postgame update on the 20-year-old, noting that the team would evaluate his condition further. Hagens entered the contest tied for the NHL rookie scoring lead with 12 points across 17 games this season, making his potential absence a major concern for Boston.