PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins have moved forward Noel Acciari to injured reserve after being diagnosed with a concussion. Acciari is the second Penguins forward moved to IR with a concussion.
Jansen Harkins was previously moved to IR after being diagnosed with his own concussion. Ironically, Acciari and Harkins suffered head injuries against the Winnipeg Jets. Acciari came at the hands of defenseman Brenden Dillon, who was suspended three games for the illegal check to the head.
Following the Penguins' most recent practice, head coach Mike Sullivan noted that both Acciari and Harkins skated on their own. For Acciari, that’s his second straight day taking in a solo session.
With Acciari moved to injured reserve, the Penguins only have 11 active forwards, opening a roster spot for a player to be recalled from the American Hockey League.
Since the Dillon hit, Acciari has missed a pair of games, both of which the Penguins lost. They have another back-to-back situation right around the corner against the Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks. It’s unlikely either Acciari or Harkins return to the lineup for either of those contests.
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