Bruins' David Pastrnak out Friday at Lightning, 'day-to-day' with reported core injury

As Matt Vautour explained for MassLive, Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak was dealing with a core injury when he exited what became Monday's 3-2 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period of that contest after he landed awkwardly. 

Pastrnak didn't play in Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, and Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed Thursday that the 25-year-old won't be available for Friday's game at the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Following Friday's action, Boston will play at the Washington Capitals on Sunday afternoon. 

"No, I don't think he's [out for] a while," Cassidy said about Pastrnak's status beyond Friday, per the official NHL website. "We listed him as day-to-day, he's still on the trip. I think if it was anything long-term, he would've gone home by now. Will he be ready Sunday? I guess when we get on the ice Saturday, if he's out there, we'll be able to give you a better idea then. But that's where he's at now."

The league's story adds that Pastrnak "aggravated a previous injury." 

According to ESPN stats, Pastrnak is tied for the team lead with 71 points and leads Boston with 38 goals tallied across 69 games this season. 

The Bruins, meanwhile, are tied for third in the Atlantic Division standings with the Lightning. Both have 93 points and remain well on track to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.