Bruins D Ward leaves game

Nov 30, 2008 - 5:28 AM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Boston Bruins defenseman Aaron Ward left Saturday's 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in the first period with a left knee injury.

The 35-year-old Ward, who has three assists in 24 games this season, initiated a hit on defenseman Derek Meech and fell to the ice. Ward quickly retreated to the locker room and did not return to the contest.

Ward was spotted outside the Bruins' locker room on crutches and with a boot on his left foot.

Boston is already without defenseman Andrew Ference, who is out for another six weeks with a broken leg.

Ward, who registered five goals and 13 points in 65 games for Boston in 2007-08, led the club with 119 blocked shots and was third with 143 hits.

Drafted fifth overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 1991, Ward was a member of the Detroit Red Wings' Stanley Cup championship teams in 1997 and 1998. He also won the title with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006.

In 721 career games with Detroit, Carolina, the New York Rangers and Boston, Ward has recorded 40 goals, 91 assists and 650 penalty minutes. The 14-year veteran also has notched three tallies and nine points in 84 playoff contests.