As the Boston Bruins gear up for their final game before the Olympic break-a Wednesday night clash in South Florida against the Florida Panthers-they’ll once again be skating without their top two centers. Elias Lindholm and Pavel Zacha are both sidelined for a second consecutive game, and their absence is being felt in a big way.
The Bruins are coming off a wild one: a 6-5 shootout loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stadium Series. And while the setting was spectacular, the result was anything but.
Boston held a 5-1 lead midway through that game, only to watch it evaporate in stunning fashion. They were fortunate to escape with a point, but that kind of collapse doesn’t sit well with a team that’s built its identity on structure and discipline.
Now, with a few days to reset, the Bruins face a Panthers squad that’s hungry for points and fighting to stay in the playoff picture. It’s not exactly the ideal situation for a banged-up Boston team limping into the break.
Matthew Poitras Steps Up
With Lindholm and Zacha out, the Bruins are once again turning to rookie center Matthew Poitras. The 19-year-old showed flashes in the Tampa game, including a slick second-period backhand goal that gave Boston a temporary cushion.
He’s been thrown into the fire, but this is the kind of experience that can accelerate a young player’s development. Poitras will need to keep that momentum going against a Panthers team that plays a physical, in-your-face style.
Marco Sturm Provides Injury Update
After the team’s practice in South Florida, head coach Marco Sturm addressed the status of his top two pivots. The good news?
Both Lindholm and Zacha are expected to be healthy enough for Olympic duty. The caveat?
That decision is now more in the hands of the national team doctors than the Bruins’ staff.
That’s a key distinction. While the Bruins are clearly being cautious-Lindholm was officially moved to injured reserve on Monday-the Olympic break gives both players extra time to recover. Whether they ultimately suit up in Milan over the next few weeks will depend on how they respond to treatment and what their respective national programs decide.
Bruins Make a Roster Move
With Lindholm sidelined, Boston made a corresponding move by calling up defenseman Jordan Harris from the AHL’s Providence Bruins. While Harris doesn’t fill the void at center, his presence adds some depth to the blue line and gives the coaching staff more flexibility as they navigate this final pre-break matchup.
A Timely Break for a Banged-Up Team
No matter how you slice it, the Olympic break couldn’t be coming at a better time for the Bruins. Between injuries and a grueling schedule, this group needs a breather. Whether Lindholm and Zacha ultimately head overseas or stay back to rehab, the pause in the NHL calendar offers a chance to reset, regroup, and hopefully return to full strength for the stretch run.
But first, there’s still business to handle in Florida. And against a desperate Panthers team, the Bruins will need a full-team effort-especially down the middle.
Keep an eye on Poitras and how he handles the pressure. If Sunday was any indication, the kid might be ready for more than just a spot start.