Penguins' Noel Acciari Addresses Dirty Hit That Injured Him

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins have been without Noel Acciari in early February when he took a hit to the head from Winnipeg Jets defender Brenden Dillon. Acciari has been dealing with a concussion that has forced him out of the lineup for six games.

While Acciari is still out, Dillon ended up getting suspended by the NHL for four games for an illegal check to the head.

Acciari recounted the event and said he doesn’t hold any ill will against Dillon.

“Just going to leave that in the past,” Acciari said. “It is what it is. He reached out and texted me. You know, it’s hockey. You get hit.”

Acciari knows a thing or two about playing a rough game since he had 92 hits at the time of the incident. At the time, he led the Penguins in that category, only recently being surpassed by Kris Letang.

The Penguins have gone 1-4-1 without Acciari, and all he is focused on is returning to full health and getting back to the ice with his teammates.

“I just want to focus on me feeling better,” Acciari said. “Getting back out with these guys.”

Acciari has been working his way back to a return with a few solo skates and optional team practices. According to head coach Mike Sullivan, Acciari was cleared for contact and is being considered day-to-day.