It’s no exaggeration to say the Boston Bruins are heading into a pivotal three-game stretch before the 4 Nations Faceoff break. They kick off a demanding run of three games in five days against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night at TD Garden, and it looks like they’ll have a forward returning to the lineup. That’s where we’ll start in this edition of Boston Bruins News.
Mark Kastelic available vs. Wild
Since being acquired from the Ottawa Senators last June in the Linus Ullmark trade, Mark Kastelic has been a pleasant surprise as a fourth-line forward. His energy has been noticeably absent due to injury, but he may be set to return against Minnesota.
Following Monday morning’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena, interim coach Joe Sacco confirmed that the physical forward is available to play against the Wild. Kastelic, who signed a contract extension earlier this season, has been sidelined for a couple of weeks after taking a shot to the head against the Tampa Bay Lightning last month. His return to the lineup will be a welcome boost.
Hampus Lindholm still not ready
Back in November, the Bruins suffered a significant blow to their defense when Hampus Lindholm sustained a lower-body injury while blocking a shot on the penalty kill against the St. Louis Blues. After two and a half months on the sidelines, he has been skating in recent weeks, raising fans’ hopes for a potential return. However, that won’t be happening just yet.
According to interim coach Joe Sacco, Lindholm is not expected back before the 4 Nations break, which begins after Saturday’s home game against the Vegas Golden Knights. By the time he’s ready to return, it may be too little too late for the Black and Gold’s playoff hopes.
Bruins changing up power-play look?
According to Scott McLaughlin of WEEI, the Bruins are making adjustments to their power play during practice. On the top unit—featuring Charlie McAvoy, David Pastrnak, Brad Marchand, Elias Lindholm, and Pavel Zacha—Marchand was seen taking reps in the bumper position rather than his usual spot along the wall.
Meanwhile, the second unit, consisting of Mason Lohrei, Morgan Geekie, Matthew Poitras, Charlie Coyle, and Justin Brazeau, saw Oliver Wahlstrom rotating in, a sign of how eager the coaching staff is to spark some production. The adjustments come after the first unit managed to find the net twice in Saturday’s 6-3 win over the New York Rangers.
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