The Boston Bruins take on the Montreal Canadiens Monday night. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy gave updates on Patrice Bergeron, Jack Studnicka, Hampus Lindholm, and more after Sunday morning’s skate.
Bergeron has missed the past two games with an upper-body injury, and it looks like he’ll be missing a third.
“He was in (the building) today, will not travel,” Cassidy said about Bergeron Sunday morning. “So he’s out for Montreal. He’ll be re-evaluated later in the week so I’ll put him as a possibility for the home game Thursday, but it’s not for sure.”
Studnicka, who played on the top line in Boston’s win over the Jets Friday, blocked a shot and is day-to-day.
“He tried (to skate) today and he was uncomfortable out there so he’ll be (listed) as day-to-day,” said Cassidy. “So, we’ll see tomorrow morning I guess.”
Cassidy thinks Studnicka will be out, though it’s not official yet and he will likely travel with the team. Studnicka has been with the Bruins ever since Bergeron’s injury. If the 23-year-old center in Studnicka is out, Anton Blidh will likely play on the fourth line.
“I think he will (be) — I gotta go find out,” said Cassidy, when asked if Studnicka is out tomorrow. “I’m assuming he will come with us unless they’ve ruled him out which they haven’t told me that yet.”
The Bruins recently acquired Hampus Lindholm from the Ducks for Urho Vaakanainen, John Moore, and picks, before they signed him to an eight-year extension today. The left-handed defenseman will play with Brandon Carlo or Matt Grzelcyk.
“We’re a better team today,” said Cassidy. “He has a legitimate top-four resume in the National Hockey League, he’s playoff-tested — still young.
“He’ll either play with McAvoy or Carlo, probably both to be honest with you down the stretch here. We’ll see what best works for us once we get to know him as a player. But, like I said, it’s a real good add for us. Obviously… any time of year you gotta pay the price for a good player.
As for Lindholm’s availability tomorrow in Montreal?
“He won’t be available tomorrow, but he should be in the lineup Thursday.”