It’s a Wednesday Night Bruins/Devils Reunion in Newark

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)(APMedia)
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)(APMedia)

It is official: the Boston Bruins will be without former New Jersey Devil Pavel Zacha for their Wednesday night matchup against the Devils in Newark. On the other side, defensemen Dougie Hamilton, a draft selection of the Boston Bruins way back when, is out indefinitely with a torn pectoral. Which, on paper, is unfortunate. Regardless of who you cheer for, injuries, especially to star players, removes some shine from a battle between two of the Eastern Conference’s best teams.

Now, despite the noticeable absences, tonight is still set to be a reunion of sorts. When one former New Jersey Devil leaves the lineup, another enters to take his place, at least potentially. According to Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic, Jesper Boqvist was recalled from the Providence Bruins and skated as the extra forward during line rushes during Tuesday’s practice.  

Boqvist, a center and former second-round selection of New Jersey, signed as a free agent with Boston this past summer. Fresh off a 10-11-21 season, which saw the Devils take a tremendous step forward and qualify for the playoffs, Boqvist became a salary cap casualty as New Jersey needed space to sign Timo Meier. Fortunate for Boston, dealing with the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci needed center depth. 

Flashes during training camp provided a scope of Boqvist’s potential, but with the ascension of Matt Poitras and John Beecher, he was designated to Providence. Where in 24 contests has produced 14 points. His call-up provides yet another opportunity to showcase his worth as a full-time NHLer. After all, the best ability is availability. 

Continuing with the trend, Amanda Stein, who covers the Devils, predicts Erik Haula will return to the lineup after suffering an upper-body injury earlier this month. Haula was signed by Boston in the summer of 2021 to help offset the absence of David Krejci who that season played professionally in his native Czechia. Ironically, in 2022 Haula was traded to New Jersey for Pavel Zacha, followed by David Krejci returning to Boston.

Haula instantly engrained himself as a key component to the success of the Devils. His 47 points in 2022-23 earned him a three-year $9.45 million dollar contract. Having battled injuries all season, Haula still managed 13 points in 21 games.

Not to be forgotten is Curtis Lazar, who spent portions of two seasons with the Bruins as part of the Taylor Hall trade with the Buffalo Sabres in 2021. A quintessential bottom-six forward, Lazar was dealt from the Vancouver Canucks to the New Jersey Devils at the trade deadline last season. Offensively, he is well on his way to eclipsing his offensive high water mark with the Bruins with eight points through 24 games.

Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Elliotte Friedman's Trent Frederic Comments- Would You Invest In This Team?- Bruins Claim Oliver Wahlstrom- Decision Time For Marc McLaughlin?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersInside The RinkGet Bent Premium HoodieWho knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the backhttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieInside The RinkBruins Benders Long Sleeve T-ShirtEnrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. • 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton • Heather colorshttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Inside The RinkBruins Benders T-ShirtThis t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction •https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1
  1. Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip.
  2. Season 4. Episode 13. This Is Not the Sway
  3. Season 4. Episode 12. Going Streaking!
  4. Season 4. Episode 11. Have the Bruins Turned a Corner?
  5. Season 4. Episode 10. Monty Out. Sacco In.

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Dylan Strome skating for the Washington Capitals

NHL Game Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Washington Capitals with Line Combinations 12/22/2024

Los Angeles Kings (19-9-5, 43 Pts) at Washington Capitals (22-8-2, 46 Pts)Venue: Capital One ArenaDate: Tonight – Sunday, December 22Time: 5:00 pm EST TV: ESPN+Radio:Los Angeles – ESPN Radio 710Washington – Caps Radio 24/7 DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:Los Angeles +1.5 ML +130Washington -1.5 ML -155O/U 5.5 Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster Los Angeles Kings News & […]

Read More
Sergei Bobrovsky in net for the Florida Panthers

NHL Game Preview: Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning with Line Combinations 12/22/2024

Florida Panthers (21-11-2, 44 Pts) at Tampa Bay Lightning (18-10-2, 38 Pts)Venue: Amalie ArenaDate: Tonight – Sunday, December 22Time: 5:00 pm EST TV: ESPN+, FanDuel Sports Network Sun, SCRIPPSRadio:Florida – 560 Sports WQAMTampa Bay – 102.5 The Bone DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:Florida -1.5 ML -112Tampa Bay +1.5 ML -230O/U 6 Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster Florida […]

Read More
Edmonton Oilers celebrating a goal

Edmonton Oilers Pregame Thoughts

These comeback wins we’re seeing lately have been pretty fun for Oilers fans. Seeing 22-year-old Yaroslav Askarov, the 11th overall pick by Nashville in 2020, come up with a 39-save performance and almost steal 2 points from us reminded Edmonton Oilers fans of when Lukas Dostal goalie-d our team for the Ducks at this same […]

Read More