Charlie McAvoy faces unexpected moment after Team USA’s win over Latvia

Right before heading to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Charlie McAvoy made sure no one forgot what happened in Florida.

The Boston Bruins defenseman posted a side-by-side image on social media: a video of the hit delivered by Panthers rookie Sandis Vilmanis, and a photo of his own swollen face in the aftermath. The message didn’t need many words.

The play occurred during the first period of Florida’s 5–4 shootout win over Boston last Wednesday night. As McAvoy carried the puck out of his zone, Vilmanis came across the ice, slowed just before contact, braced, and appeared to catch McAvoy with a high elbow to the side of the head. McAvoy was helped off the ice but later returned — a relief for Boston, but the hit quickly sparked debate over the NHL’s decision not to issue supplemental discipline.

McAvoy’s post only intensified that conversation.

But then came a sort of happy ending.

On Thursday, Team USA opened Olympic play against Latvia, meaning McAvoy and Vilmanis shared the ice again.

After the final horn, Vilmanis skated over to McAvoy and appeared to apologize for the hit. The two shared a brief moment, a striking contrast to the controversy that preceded it.

Just a quiet postgame exchange. With that, perhaps both players, and the spotlight around the hit, can move on. And hopefully, so can McAvoy’s swollen face.