Bruins D Charlie McAvoy Scores Winning Goal, Then Heads to Dentist - Again

McAvoy has faced repeated dental issues this NHL season after taking pucks to the face.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the Los Angeles Kings, but he had to quickly leave the post-game press conference to get more dental work done. McAvoy has missed time this season after taking multiple pucks to the face, resulting in lost teeth and other dental issues. Despite the injuries, McAvoy's toughness and leadership have been praised by his coach.

Why it matters

McAvoy's repeated dental injuries highlight the physical toll that hockey can take on players, especially defensemen who often block shots. His ability to battle through the pain and return to the game showcases his value as a leader for the Bruins, who are trying to maintain their playoff position without a traditional team captain.

The details

In Tuesday night's game, McAvoy was hit in the mouth by a puck with about seven minutes left in the second period, causing him to leave the ice. However, he returned at the start of the third period and scored the game-winning goal just 39 seconds into overtime. After the game, McAvoy told reporters he only had time for two questions before needing to see the team dentist, as he has had to do multiple times this season due to dental injuries from blocking shots.

  • In November, McAvoy missed almost a month after being hit in the mouth by a slap shot.
  • Last week, McAvoy took another puck to the face against the Nashville Predators.
  • On Tuesday night, McAvoy was hit into the glass by Kings center Samuel Helenius with about seven minutes left in the second period.

The players

Charlie McAvoy

A 9-year NHL veteran and U.S. Olympian who plays defense for the Boston Bruins. He has faced repeated dental issues this season after taking multiple pucks to the face while blocking shots.

Marco Sturm

The head coach of the Boston Bruins, who praised McAvoy's toughness and leadership in playing through his dental injuries.

Samuel Helenius

A center for the Los Angeles Kings who hit McAvoy into the glass in the second period of Tuesday's game.

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What they’re saying

“I just wish the hits would stop coming, honestly. You know, it's tiring. My mouth, honestly, couldn't feel worse. But I'll get some work. We've got a really good dentist here, who's great. I'm really happy we got two points tonight.”

— Charlie McAvoy, Bruins Defenseman (mymotherlode.com)

“I thought he wouldn't come back. He's not getting prettier, that's for sure.”

— Marco Sturm, Bruins Head Coach (mymotherlode.com)

“Those are the guys you need in a locker room. The guy next to him, he's going to look over (and ask) 'OK, is he going to battle through it or not?' If you sit across from him, and if you're a young guy, to see that, you (say) 'I don't want to be the guy who's going quit.'”

— Marco Sturm, Bruins Head Coach (mymotherlode.com)

What’s next

The Bruins will continue to monitor McAvoy's dental health and recovery as they push for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the NHL season.

The takeaway

Charlie McAvoy's willingness to battle through painful dental injuries to contribute to the Bruins' success showcases the toughness and leadership that has made him a key part of the team's core, even without wearing the traditional captain's 'C'.