Justin Brazeau will be out of the lineup with an upper-body injury that he suffered Tuesday against the Nashville Predators.
The Boston Bruins will close out their six-game road trip Thursday as they face the Carolina Hurricanes for a 7 p.m. puck drop at PNC Arena.
“I think everyone is getting ready for a big game. We know how good Carolina is,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said to the media Thursday.
Boston is coming off a 3-0 win over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday in which Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak scored, and Linus Ullmark posted a 31-save shutout.
The Bruins will be without Justin Brazeau against the Hurricanes after the forward left Tuesday’s game in the first period with an upper-body injury. Brazeau – who was called up from AHL Providence in February – had seven points (five goals, two assists) through 19 games, and carved a strong role for himself in the B’s bottom six before getting injured.
“Brazeau flew home yesterday and is seeing the doctors today,” Montgomery said Thursday. “We will have a real good report for you tomorrow on the severity and length – but it’s week to week right now.”
Jakub Lauko will slot onto the Bruins’ fourth line in place of Brazeau, Montgomery said. The rest of the forward group has shuffled as well, per NESN’s Adam Pellerin. Morgan Geekie will move up to skate on the wing with Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle, while Jake DeBrusk moves down to the third line with Jesper Boqvist and Trent Frederic.
“I’m excited for the challenge. They are two great players that I’m playing with,” Geekie said to the media Thursday. “We’ve got a few big bodies on that line. Just try to play in their end, play fast, hold onto pucks and play down low. Not trying to do anything too crazy and just stick to our game plan.”
It seems Johnny Beecher will also get his first look at center on the fourth line since being called back up from Providence in March. Beecher, a natural pivot, has found consistency in his game, and is dynamite from the face-off dot with a 54.3 percentage.
Jeremy Swayman will start between the pipes against Carolina. The goaltender has a 2.56 goals against average and .916 save percentage through 41 games. Swayman last played Saturday against the Washington Capitals in the 3-2 shootout win and made 20 saves.
Jan 24, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) tips the puck on Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Spencer Martin (41) during the first period at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsFive things to know about the Hurricanes:
- Carolina is coming off a 3-0 win against the Montreal Canadiens Saturday in which it improved to a 47-21-7 record, good for second place in the Metropolitan Division and a clinched playoff spot. The Hurricanes also shutout the Detroit Red Wings on March 28 in a 4-0 win.
- The Hurricanes’ penalty kill went 3-for-3 against Montreal, and is 76-for-84 (90.5%) in the past 26 games. Overall, their PK ranks first in the league at 85.8%. Carolina’s power play percentage is third in the league at 26.7 – special teams have been a strength.
- Sebastian Aho leads the team with 85 points (33 goals, 52 assists) through 72 games. The 26-year-old centers the first line with Jake Guentzel and Seth Jarvis, and has nine points in his last five games.
- If Carolina continues its goalie rotation, Frederik Andersen will get the start against Boston. The goaltender has a 1.88 GAA and .930 SV% through 13 games. Andersen last played March 28 against Detroit and had a 24-save shutout.
- Brady Skjei leads all defensemen with 42 points (13 goals, 29 assists). Skjei is on the second pair with Brett Pesce, as well as the second power play unit and the first penalty kill unit.