Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy didn’t hold back Thursday when reflecting on the most difficult year of his career. The Bruins' star placed the blame for his and the team’s downfall squarely on the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament,

After suffering a shoulder injury and infection during the 4 Nations Face-Off, Charlie McAvoy reflected on the toll over the last two months.

McAvoy’s condition was the result of a painkilling shot he took after the Americans’ 6-1 win over Finland on Feb. 13. It eased the discomfort of the shoulder injury he suffered that day and allowed him to play in the United States’ 3-1 win over Canada two days later.