Bruins Battling Through Injuries, Eye Reinforcements Ahead of Detroit Clash
The Boston Bruins are deep in the grind of the season-and the injury list is starting to feel like a second roster. But despite the growing number of absences, the Bruins are pushing forward, piecing together a lineup that continues to compete night after night.
On the blue line, they're already without Jordan Harris and Charlie McAvoy, two pillars of their defensive structure. Now, the forward group is feeling the squeeze too.
The latest blow? David Pastrnak won’t be making the trip to Detroit for Tuesday night’s game against the Red Wings.
Head coach Marco Sturm confirmed the star winger will stay back, with the hope he can return later this week. It’s a cautious approach, and given Pastrnak’s importance to the offense, it makes sense.
There is, however, a bit of good news on the injury front. Viktor Arvidsson, who went down in the same game as McAvoy against Montreal, is traveling with the team and could be back in the lineup as soon as Tuesday.
That’s a significant development. Arvidsson has been out for a couple of weeks, and his return would inject some much-needed scoring depth and veteran presence into a forward group that's been stretched thin.
“Just have to confirm it today after practice,” Sturm said. “But if [Arvidsson] felt good today at practice, he should be in [Tuesday].”
Arvidsson was skating on the second line during Monday’s practice, flanked by Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha. That’s a trio with speed, vision, and some real offensive upside. If Arvidsson’s ready to go, that line could be a spark plug for a team that’s been grinding through games with a patchwork lineup.
There was also a small but telling roster move that hinted at improving health: the Bruins sent Georgii Merkulov back to Providence (AHL). That kind of move often signals that help is on the way. If Arvidsson does suit up, it’ll be a welcome sight for a team that’s been forced to get creative with its forward combinations.
Brandon Carlo Hits a Setback in Return Attempt
Elsewhere in the league, a familiar face to Bruins fans is dealing with his own injury battle. Former Boston defenseman Brandon Carlo, now with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been sidelined and working his way back-but that process has hit a snag. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Carlo is heading back to Toronto from the team’s road trip to seek a second opinion after a setback.
It’s a tough break for Carlo, who’s been trying to get back on the ice and stabilize a Leafs defense that’s struggled with consistency. Toronto’s depth on the blue line has been tested, and Carlo’s absence only adds to the challenge.
Right now, the Leafs are tied at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with the Florida Panthers, following the Buffalo Sabres’ win over Winnipeg on Monday night. That sets up a crucial matchup between the Panthers and Leafs on Tuesday in South Florida.
But if you’re thinking it’s time to panic in Toronto, Brad Marchand would like a word.
“If people are thinking they're out of a playoff spot for the season, they got to find a new job,” the former Bruins captain said. “With the media attention and the fan support, things get blown way out of proportion. They're still a good contending team.”
It’s classic Marchand-blunt, confident, and not wrong. It’s early December. There’s a lot of hockey left.
Blues Also Dealing With Key Absences Ahead of Bruins Matchup
Looking ahead, the Bruins will host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night, with former Boston bench boss Jim Montgomery returning to TD Garden for the first of two meetings in less than a week. But like Boston, the Blues are dealing with their own injury concerns.
Forward Jimmy Snuggerud is headed to injured reserve and will undergo wrist surgery. He had quietly put together a solid start to the season, with five goals and 11 points in 26 games. His absence will be felt, especially in the middle six.
The Blues will also be without Alexey Toropchenko, who’s out week-to-week after suffering burns to his legs in a home accident. It’s an unfortunate and unusual setback for a player who’s been a gritty, physical presence in St. Louis’ lineup.
So when the Bruins and Blues face off Thursday, both teams will be missing key pieces-but both are also trying to find ways to adapt, compete, and stay in the playoff mix as the calendar flips toward the heart of the NHL season.
Injuries are part of the game, but how a team responds to them often defines the stretch run. For the Bruins, the hope is that reinforcements are on the way-and that the grind doesn’t grind them down.