The Boston Bruins are reeling after a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. However, on Wednesday, there was encouraging news about the return of one of the team’s top two defensemen.
Charlie McAvoy, who has been out with an undisclosed injury since January 11, is hopeful to return to the Bruins’ lineup after being a full participant in the last two practices. McAvoy and his wife also welcomed their first child recently. McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm have both been unavailable, with Lindholm possibly having to wait until after the two-week Four Nations Tournament break for his return. Lindholm last played an NHL game in November.
The Bruins are 5-2-1 without McAvoy, but the last performance against the Sabres reestablished the need to have both top blue-liners back as soon as possible. The 2016 first-round draft pick has logged 23:25 average time on ice and has collected five goals and 15 assists. McAvoy is also on the team’s first power play unit, although that could change as the team is ranked 31st in the league in power play success.
Lindholm could also take that top power play spot when he returns. The 31-year-old defenseman has logged 22:20 of ice time per game and had three goals and four assists in 17 games before injuring his knee. Both defensemen are signed long-term with the team and paramount to the Bruins’ success as they cling to a playoff spot heading into February.
Season 4. Episode 39. The Off Season – Bruins Benders Podcast
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