By: Jason Cooke | Follow me on X @cookejournalism
It’s not getting any easier for the Boston Bruins. Just two days removed from a disheartening 7-2 defeat to the lifeless Buffalo Sabres, the B’s return to the comforts of TD Garden on Thursday for a 7 p.m. puck drop with the high-flying Winnipeg Jets.
Winners in their last four, the Jets enter Thursday’s contest tied with the Washington Capitals for a league-best 73 points. The rulers of the Western Conference are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games and sport a +51 goal differential — the best in the NHL.
It will be yet another strong test for a Bruins team that can’t seem to muster any meaningful momentum. Just when they look like they are turning the page, they put forth an uninspiring 60-minute effort like Tuesday that plummets them back to a hard reality — the Bruins (25-21-6) are fighting for their postseason lives.
But on Thursday, at least they’ll be doing so with some reinforcements. Just ahead of puck drop, the Bruins added Charlie McAvoy to the active roster from injured reserve and subsequently returned Max Jones to Providence. Brandon Carlo will also draw into the lineup card after sitting out Tuesday’s crushing loss in Buffalo with an illness.
“I had a tough little sickness there, but I feel like the worst of it is behind me for sure,” Carlo said after Thursday’s morning skate. “I’m excited to get back in, and obviously it’s terrible to miss games. I don’t ever want to miss games – you feel out of place when you’re not on the ice with the guys. It’ll be a great opportunity to get back in the lineup against a good team tonight.”
Carlo has been a reliable anchor to Boston’s blueline this season, and they will certainly accept his services against the Jets’ high-octane offense on Causeway. The Jets have scored the most goals (184) in the NHL this season. McAvoy, who missed Boston’s previous seven games due to injury, will be key in shutting down the Jets.
“It’s great to have him back,” Bruins head coach Joe Sacco said. “He seems to be in a really good spirit right now, and he’s had some good practices under his belt. He looked good in the morning skate today so we’re excited to get him back in our lineup and obviously help stabilize the back end for us.”
McAvoy (5-15-20) has had an up-and-down season, to say the least. Most notably, he’s been criticized for poor play in his role as the quarterback of the first power play unit and is ultimately retaking that spot on Thursday. Boston’s power play (13.8%) is the third worst in the league. I’d look for McAvoy to be simple tonight on the man advantage as he slides back into the role. I’d also look for Mason Lohrei — who impressed in the position in his absence — to continue to be a viable option on the second unit.
Players to Watch
One of the NHL’s best will command the opposing crease at TD Garden in Connor Hellebuyck, who sports an NHL-best .927 save percentage. Of goalies who have played at least 15 games this season, his 2.00 goals-against average also ranks first. In 40 games this season with the Jets, he’s amassed an astounding 31 wins and six shutouts. Hellebuyck made 23 saves on 24 shots in the previous meeting between the two teams — an 8-1 romp in favor of the Jets.
If the Bruins look to beat Hellebuyck on Thursday, the effort starts with none other than David Pastrnak (24-36-60). The good news for the Bruins? Their bonafide star has been on a torrid stretch, netting 18 points in his last eight games. Pastrnak hasn’t been held off the scoresheet since Jan. 9, and if the Bruins hope to generate any high-percentage looks on Hellebuyck, they will need to come from Pastrnak. Morgan Geekie (15-11-26) has caught fire playing alongside him, registering four points in his last four games.
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