BOSTON -- Rick Middleton suffered a mild concussion and Tom McCarthy sustained bruised ribs in the Boston Bruins' loss at Montreal Monday night. Team officials said Tuesday the playing status of both will be judged on a day-to-day basis.
Middleton received his concussion when he was checked into the boards in the first period by Montreal defenseman Chris Chelios during Boston's 7-3 loss. The check caused a gash over Middleton's left eye.
Dr. Paul Chapman, a neurosurgeon, examined Middleton at Massachusetts General Hospital Tuesday and found 'no serious damage,' said a team spokesman.
Middleton, a right wing, suffered a concussion during a Bruins practice on Feb. 7, 1986 when he was hit in the head by a puck. He played in only one more game that season and has since donned a helmet.
Middleton said the current injury is 'nothing compared to last year, but before I play another game I should have my head clear. There's a chance I might play (Wednesday night in Buffalo), but realistically I won't.'
McCarthy, a left wing, bruised his ribs during the second period when he was struck by a shot by Montreal's Brain Skrudland.
General Manager Harry Sinden claimed Chelios' check on Middleton was illegal because he cross-checked Middleton in the head from behind and into the boards.
Between the first and second periods, Sinden questioned referee Kerry Fraser on why he did not call a penalty. Fraser claimed the check was clean and assessed the Bruins a two-minute bench penalty for Sinden's action.
