SAN JOSE, Calif. — Noel Acciari is intent on leaving a mark on the game. In fact, lots of marks. As of Saturday morning, the 25-year-old Bruins forward sat atop the NHL for hits per game, averaging a hefty 4.4 smacks each outing this season.
Next in line: Oilers defenseman Adam Larsson (4.1) and Buffalo blue liner Justin Falk (3.9).
A reliable, and shall we say, present, third- or fourth-line center/wing, the ex-Providence College standout doesn’t project to be nearly as prolific with his offense. His game is hits, often of the board-rattling, bone-crushing variety. He delivered 10 smacks on the Ducks Wednesday night and, as is always the case for the Rock of Rhode Island, was looking to add to his total here Saturday night when the Bruins faced the Sharks at SAP Center.
“I think there is enjoyment in it for him,’’ said coach Bruce Cassidy, pondering whether hitting in general is more a function of will or skill. “If you watch him, he does it with a smile on his face. I think that is part of it. Not always a fun thing to do, right? I mean, you’d rather have the puck, make plays, probably go stick check guys or steal it from them. But he enjoys it.’’
Soft spoken and with a wide an ever-present smile — even when not driving guys to Palookaville — Acciari suffered a setback in Game 1 this season when a P.K. Subban slap shot fractured a finger and sent him to surgery. He only this month returned to game action, and is still working on improving the hand’s strength and range of motion.
“Each game it’s getting better,’’ he said. “Back-to-back games are a little tough, it’s a little sore, but each game better. I work with the trainers, and before I was [in physical therapy], just getting strength and movement back into it. But it feels good.’’
Signed as a free agent following his three seasons with the Friars, Acciari already had a reputation for hitting when he turned pro in 2015. Even in his limited NHL action (53 NHL games prior to Saturday), he has added to that profile.
“I would think so, yeah,’’ mused Cassidy, who can add to his count of blessings with each of Acciari’s hits.
Thursday night in LA, sensing the Bruins might be vulnerable after playing the night before in Anaheim, the Kings clearly tried to bully the Bruins, especially in the first period when they amassed 22 hits. Acciari helped lead the pushback, doling out hits that negated LA’s tactics.
“He’s a guy we missed,’’ said Cassidy, acknowledging Acciari’s time out of the lineup. “He can turn the tide of a game with the physicality part, especially playing these big teams out west. You have to match them hit for hit. I thought LA there for a while tried to take it to us early on, and the Kevan Millers, Charlie [McAvoy], Noel, Z [Zdeno Chara] . . . give us some of that counterpunching we need.’’
The joy of it for Acciari? The emotional boost it gives to his teammates, he said, along with the fact that it creates room and security for his fellow linemates.
“My smile gets bigger when I get back to the bench and I [get] all the guys jacked up,’’ he said. “If that’s what it’s going to take to do that, fine.’’
Krug on shelf
Torey Krug, injured Wednesday night in the third period, remained out of the mix vs. the Sharks.
The diminutive defenseman, who tops the scoring charts for Bruins blue liners (16 games, 3-8—11), was unable to participate in the morning workout at SAP Center.
“Still listed as day-to-day,’’ said Cassidy, following the traditional day-of-game morning workout. “So hopefully Wednesday he is ready to go, but won’t play tonight.’’
The Bruins will fly back to Boston Sunday and will return to action Wednesday in Newark to face the rejuvenated Devils.
The Penguins will be at TD Garden Friday for the traditional holiday weekend matinee, followed to town by the Oilers (Sunday, 5 p.m).
Cassidy remained uncertain whether either of injured forwards Brad Marchand or Anders Bjork, neither of whom played in the three games in California, will be ready for Wednesday vs. New Jersey.
“My understanding,’’ said Cassidy, “is that Marshy is closer than Bjork. But that’s all I’ve got right now.’’
Bjork was leveled by a hit around his head and shoulders last Saturday at TD Garden, clocked in open ice by the Leafs’ Matt Martin.
He most likely suffered a concussion, but the Bruins have not disclosed the nature of his injury.
Backes on mend
According to Cassidy, David Backes has made substantial improvement following recent surgery to remove a portion of his colon due to complications related to diverticulitis.
“I don’t know what part of the protocol he’s at,’’ said Cassidy, “but I understand he is doing well. I don’t believe he is skating, but coming along very well, so maybe his recovery will be quicker than longer.’’
Prior to surgery, the club’s medical staff projected that Backes, 33, would be sidelined until approximately the new year.
Power-play specialist Ryan Spooner, sidelined with a torn adductor since mid-October, is inching closer to a return. The original prognosis had him out through most, if not all, of November.
“Spooner has been skating and doing well,’’ added Cassidy. “When we get home, we’ll get a better update. I don’t want to say outta sight, outta mind, because that is disrespectful. But it does get that way for a coach.’’
A bright future
The Bruins on this trip saw two of the league’s most dynamic blue liners in Drew Doughty (Los Angeles) and Brent Burns (San Jose).
Cassidy, when asked if McAvoy’s game projects more toward Doughty or Burns: “I’d be happy with either, good call. Let’s throw [Erik] Karlsson in there while we’re at it. I think Doughty, personally, just the resemblance. But we’d be happy with either.’’
“He’s really growing his game to be comparables with those two guys at a young age. We are really fortunate to have him. With Krug out, he is even more valuable.’’
Kevin Paul Dupont can be reached at kevin.dupont @globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeKPD.
