Patrice Bergeron to sit out next two Bruins games with lower body injury
The Bruins, for at least two more games, will make do without Patrice Bergeron.
His undisclosed lower body injury, related to the groin trouble that has dogged him the last few years, will keep the top-line center home while the Bruins visit Montreal and Ottawa.
“Other than that, no timeline on it,’’ Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “We just want to make sure that when he’s in the lineup, he’s not going to put himself at further risk.’’
Right wing Brett Ritchie’s elbow infection flared up, and will cause him to miss the two-game trip, at least. An unfortunate development for the newcomer, who had one of his more impactful games in Saturday’s overtime win over the Wild (assist, 10:09).
The Bruins recalled top center prospect Jack Studnicka, who could make his NHL debut against the Canadiens, and winger Brendan Gaunce. Studnicka, a first-year pro and second-round pick (53rd overall) in 2017, was leading AHL Providence in scoring (9-9—18 in 21 games).
“He’s been very consistent. He’s been scoring a lot. Killing penalties well, scored a shorty the other night, so playing in all facets of the game,’’ Cassidy said, asked what kind of reports he’s had on the 20-year-old. Strength is the main concern for Studnicka (listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 172 pounds), and any young player.
“I’ve been told he’s arguably their best player,’’ Cassidy said. “Kind of stay out of his way, hopefully. Just let him play, see where he’s at, and coach him up from there.’’
Gaunce (6-5—11 in 14 games) rebounded from a reported concussion and broken nose on an illegal blindside hit by Canadiens farmhand Michael McCarron on Oct. 19. Gaunce was briefly recalled last week, but did not see game action.
Cassidy, speaking before the recalls were announced, wouldn’t commit to playing either Studnicka or Gaunce. He would only go so far as to say David Krejci would take Bergeron’s spot atop the line chart.
On Monday, Charlie Coyle centered Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen on the second line. Par Lindholm, recovered from the 18-stitch cut he sustained last Thursday against Buffalo, was on the fourth line between Joakim Nordstrom and Chris Wagner. Sean Kuraly was the third-line center, with Anders Bjork and David Backes (non-contact jersey) skating on the wings. Studnicka, if he plays, could center Bjork and Kuraly/Gaunce on the third line. Kuraly could also knock Lindholm out of the lineup, returning to his usual No. 4 C spot.
Intriguing possibility
The Bruins (15-3-5) have sat atop the Atlantic Divison for nearly a month. The Canadiens (11-7-5) have inhabited third place/wild card territory for most of the season. No one in their dressing room is looking that far ahead, but count among those who would welcome a Boston-Montreal playoff series.
“One day. Oh my goodness. I can’t imagine,’’ said McAvoy, still two years away from enrolling at Boston University when the Bruins and Habs faced each other in the 2014 second round, a seven-game second-round win by Montreal.
“You kind of inherit these rivalries, if you’re me,’’ he said. “You go to school, you hate BC. You come here, you hate Montreal. I didn’t grow up a Bruins fan, so I didn’t grow up hating the Canadiens my whole life. But you inherit it, you know there’s a history there, know the game means a little more than 2 points, even though that’s all that’s at stake.’’
McAvoy, of Long Beach, N.Y., grew up a Rangers fan, so the Islanders were the villains.
“That rivalry, I don’t think it has much on this one,’’ he said. “Once you start to learn about the Bruins and Habs . . .’’
The last time in Montreal, on Nov. 5, the Bruins ended a six-game winning streak and 10-game point streak with a 5-4 loss. One of the goals was an offside call that both negated a goal for Coyle and sparked a debate across hockey media about video replay. The Bruins would take any makeup calls they’re offered.
“It’d be nice,’’ Brad Marchand joked. “Maybe give us a breakaway or something.’’
Halak gets the callJaroslav Halak will start in Montreal, with Tuukka Rask taking a turn in Ottawa. This is not because Rask allowed a couple of soft goals in his last trip to Habland, commenting afterward that the puck looked like a golf ball. It’s a question of workload.
When the Bruins cobbled together their goaltender schedule before the season, Rask, who started last Tuesday and Thursday, was scheduled to get Saturday off and return to his cage on Tuesday. But Halak’s illness had Rask making his third appearance in a row.
“Tuukka’s month is getting up there now,’’ said Cassidy, whose team will play 11 times in the next 18 days. “It’s more than just splitting a back-to-back.’’
Rask, tied for the league lead in wins (11-2-2 overall), is tied for fifth in save percentage (.938) among goalies with 10 or more starts. He is fourth in goals against average (2.18).
Halak, who last started two Saturdays ago against Washington, hasn’t won since the wild Pittsburgh game on Nov. 4, dropping shootout decisions to the Flyers and Capitals in his last two. His overall numbers remain plenty respectable: 8-4-1, .924, 2.57 in eight starts.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com