Already down two defensemen to start the season due to injury and a third dealing with visa issues, the Bruins suffered another loss to their blue line on Saturday. Brandon Carlo left the game against the Arizona Coyotes in the first period and did not return.
Watch the play here:
While the hit was clean, Carlo’s head can be seen slamming against the glass with force. Carlo has an extensive history of concussion problems throughout his career making the matter more concerning. He was listed with an upper-body injury and placed on the injured reserve.
After Sunday’s morning practice, head coach Jim Montgomery shared an update on the injured defenseman:
”He’s better today than we were expecting, so we’re hopeful. But he’s still not ready to go.”
‘’There’s gonna be no rush, that’s for sure. It’s just like there’s no rush for [Grzelcyk], or [Brad Marchand], or when [Charlie McAvoy] starts skating with the team. We’re gonna do it when it’s right for them but in the long term that’s what’s right for the Bruins.”
There is no set timetable for Carlo’s return, as they will wait and see how the injury unfolds. In the meantime, the Bruins expect to have Matt Grzelcyk back by the end of the week, as he has been practicing with a full-contact jersey on. Anton Stralman should have his visa issues worked out soon as well, which would give the Bruins’ blue line a major boost as they are down three starters from their top four from last season.
The Bruins will need to weather the storm as they face off against the Florida Panthers tonight at 7 PM EST. The Bruins have three other games this week. They’ll be heading to Ottawa on Wednesday and then back to the Garden Thursday for a night game against the Anaheim Ducks before taking on the Minnesota Wild for a Saturday matinee.
