The 25-year-old defenseman exited Thursday’s 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres in the third period following a hit from JJ Peterka, and he did not practice on Friday after sustaining an upper-body injury.
BRIGHTON, Mass. – Just a couple days after losing one defenseman to long-term injured reserve in Derek Forbort (lower body), the Boston Bruins could be without another defenseman when they face the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday.
Charlie McAvoy is day-to-day with an upper-body injury he sustained on a reverse hit from Sabres forward JJ Peterka at 1:27 of the third period. McAvoy did not practice on Friday, but Bruins coach Jim Montgomery is hopeful the Bruins alternate captain can return on Saturday.
“We’re hopeful for tomorrow,” Montgomery said after Friday’s practice. “I do want to rule out: It’s nothing with the head. It’s upper-body, nothing with the head.”
Brandon Carlo moved up to a pair with Matt Grzelcyk during Friday’s practice, and Ian Mitchell skated with Hampus Lindholm. Kevin Shattenkirk and Mason Lohrei rounded out the three pairs.
While every player who was asked between Thursday night and Friday acknowledged how big a loss McAvoy would be if he sits out, Lindholm is confident in the rest of the defensive corps’ ability.
“Pressure is something you deserve,” Lindholm said. “I think it’s more excitement in a way. If you get more chances and play in certain situations, and like I said, we’re confident in our group here and the players we have, and obviously we’re a better team with Charlie in the lineup. But it’s [an] opportunity for everyone.”
The Bruins had a meeting ahead of Friday’s practice, citing low energy and effort level both in the practices leading up to the Buffalo loss and the game itself, but Shattenkirk believes the team is refocused after having their three-game win streak snapped.
“Today was a great reset,” Shattenkirk said. “‘Monty’ had us ready to go, the guys were ready to go, so I think it’s great to see that from a learning perspective. … Maybe we didn’t have the best couple days leading up to the Buffalo game, and that’s the result you get, so guys were very sharp today.”
With a quick turnaround to a 1 p.m. puck drop on Saturday, the Bruins are aiming to come out with more intensity than they showed against Buffalo, with or without McAvoy.