Boston Bruins right winger Chris Wagner Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Bruins' Chris Wagner diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after Game 4 vs. Lightning

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/4/20

The Boston Bruins were without fourth-liner Chris Wagner, who was deemed "unfit to play," in Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday. Four days later, now we know why he didn't play.

In his final media availability of the 2019-20 campaign, Wagner revealed he was dealing with an accelerated heartbeat during Game 4 and had to go to the hospital for testing after the game, which made him unavailable for Game 5 due to quarantine restrictions, according to Boston Sports Journal's Conor Ryan.

Chris Wagner said he was dealing with an accelerated heartbeat during Game 4 against Tampa.

He had to go to the hospital for tests, so he was technically in quarantine for Game 5.
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) September 4, 2020

An irregularly fast heartbeat is characterized as "atrial fibrillation" and it can increase a person's risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related problems. Luckily, Wagner said that they don't believe it will result in long-term effects.

Wagner on the heart issue: "We don't think there's going to be long-term effects."

He said that he'll be getting further testing just to make sure.

"When it comes to your heart, you really gotta be careful."
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) September 4, 2020

The 29-year-old played an important role for the Bruins in the playoffs, and they certainly missed him in Game 5, which resulted in a 3-2 double-overtime loss to the Lightning.

In 12 playoff games, Wagner recorded three points (two goals, one assist). While those numbers don't jump out, his energy and tenacity are something only few Bruin players can match, and it's something they missed during Game 5.

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