Boston Bruins: 45 – 17 – 9 (99 points) 7 – 2 – 1
(last 10 games)
(2nd in Atlantic Division (5 points behind Tampa Bay; 2 games in hand)
Player of the Week:
David Pastrnak
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Pastrnak has had 4 goals and 2 assists for a total of 6 points in the past 5 games. During that stretch, he recorded his first career hat trick vs. Carolina last Tuesday (3/13), en route to a 6-4 Bruins victory. Pastrnak’s 6 points in 5 games ties him for the team lead with Brad Marchand, during that span. With 11 games still left to play, Pasta has equaled his career-high points total from last season (70), and seems to be heating up offensively as the Bruins quickly approach the post-season.
Notable Injuries:
- The Bruins have been fortunate to have a relatively healthy roster, for most of this season. The last three weeks, or so, have been a different story though. Currently as it stands, 3 of their top 6 forwards are sidelined, along with both of their top line defencemen.
- Patrice Bergeron (fractured right foot) skated with the team this week, but is not expected to make a full return until the beginning of April.
- Charlie McAvoy (sprained MCL) will also hopefully be returning early next month.
- Zdeno Chara and Jake DeBrusk both suffered upper body injuries in the recent game vs. Carolina Hurricanes (3/13). Chara is ruled out for Wednesday’s tilt vs. St. Louis Blues, and there is not yet a timetable for DeBrusk’s return.
- David Backes (laceration to right leg) required 18 stitches after taking a skate above the right knee in a collision in front of the net vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (3/17). His return is questionable for Friday’s game in Dallas.
- Rick Nash (upper body) sat out Monday’s game vs. Columbus. He will be a game time decision for Wednesday’s game in St. Louis.
If there was a time this season for the Bruins’ roster to prove its’ depth, it is now. Flurries of injuries to key players in the lineup gives the chance for others to step up. So far, they’ve done just that. In the last 5 games, 15 different Bruins have scored atleast 1 point. Overall, they’ve gotten good offensive production up and down the lineup, but it needs to continue as the regular season comes to a close.
Player to Watch:
Ryan Donato
On Sunday, the Bruins signed their 56th overall pick in the 2nd round from the 2014 draft, Ryan Donato, to a 2-year entry level contract. Donato is a top prospect coming off of his Junior season at Harvard, finishing with 26 goals and 17 assists in 29 games played. You may have seen him suited up at the Olympics not too long ago. He was arguably the best player for Team USA, leading the team with 5 goals and 1 assist in 5 games.
In his NHL debut on Monday vs. Columbus, he did not disappoint. Donato notched his first career goal along with 2 assists, playing alongside Danton Heinen and David Krejci on the second line. He also spent time on the powerplay unit as well. He played his first NHL game with confidence and poise and will definitely be an exciting player to watch moving forward. Welcome to the show, kid!
Upcoming Games This Week:
3 Road Games in Central Division
Wednesday (3/21) @ St. Louis Blues – 8:00 PM
STL: 39 – 28 – 5 (83 points) 5 – 4 – 1 (last 10 games)
The Blues are within reach of a playoff spot with 10 games remaining. They are 3 points out of a wildcard spot and 7 points behind Minnesota for 3rd in the Central Division. Expect them to come out ready for a battle against the Bruins, one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Friday (3/23) @ Dallas Stars – 8:30 PM
DAL: 38 – 28 – 8 (84 points) 2 – 5 – 3 (last 10 games)
Like St. Louis, the Stars are on the cusp of a playoff position with 8 games left to play. They are 2 points behind the Anaheim Ducks for the second wildcard slot and 6 points behind Minnesota for 3rd in the Central Division. They have slipped as of late, but still have many offensive threats and need a strong finish to the season. The Blues are 1 point behind the Stars with 2 games in hand, so expect the Stars to come out flying against the B’s.
Sunday (3/25) @ Minnesota Wild – 7:30 PM
MIN: 41 – 24 – 8 (90 points) 5 – 4 – 1 (last 10 games)
The Wild are currently 3rd in the Central Division as they look to solidify a playoff spot in their 9 remaining games. Although the B’s hope to have Backes, Chara, and Rick Nash back in the lineup for Sunday’s game, they need to keep producing throughout the lineup, in the absence of several key players.
Sources:
Wheels, buddy! 
Wow lot of players were injured.pls get better soon!
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