Boston Bruins top defenseman remains sidelined with shoulder injury
Charlie McAvoy hasn’t played a game for the Bruins since Feb. 8. The defenseman’s return to the lineup is undetermined, but he won’t play during Boston’s five-game road trip that begins Thursday in Las Vegas.
Interim coach Joe Sacco confirmed to reporters after Tuesday’s practice that McAvoy won’t travel with the Bruins.
McAvoy suffered a significant AC joint injury and infection in his shoulder during Team USA’s first game of the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off against Finland that landed him in the hospital for three nights. The Bruins alternate captain was released hours before USA’s eventual championship loss to Team Canada.
There was a report from SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman that indicated the Bruins were unhappy with the care McAvoy received from Team USA’s medical team during the 4 Nations. General manager Don Sweeney sidestepped the question last month.
“We’re very grateful and appreciative to (team doctor) Dr. (Peter) Asnis and the medical staff that took care of Charlie,” Sweeney said. “Again, the care that Charlie received here is what’s most important from the standpoint of where his health is at now, and that’s all that really matters,” Sweeney said. “Dr. Asnis’ team, as I stated, did a great job.”
There’s no timetable for McAvoy’s return. Sacco mentioned over the weekend the top-pairing defenseman is still considered week-to-week.
Boston Bruins News: Fabian Lysell, playoff push, Patrice Bergeron & Marchand merch
After a frustrating, 3-2, overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night at the TD Garden, the Boston Bruins were back at work on Tuesday morning at Warrior Ice Arena before heading out west on a five-game road trip. They head out on a three-game losing streak and falling quickly in the Eastern Conference wild-card race. Before they headed out on the road, they called up two players for the trip.
The Bruins called up forward Fabian Lysell and defenseman Michael Callahan from the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League (AHL). This will be Lysell’s second stint in Boston this season after coming up in late December and playing against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Callahan returns after playing well in his last stint before being sent back to Providence. Lysell has been playing well with the P-Bruins recently according to Boston interim coach Joe Sacco.
“The reports from Providence have all been positive as far as his game down there,” said Sacco. “Not just offensively but his 200-foot game, his play away from the puck, his ability to stay on pucks, one of the things we need to see from some of the young players. I think it’s good that he’s getting another opportunity. At some point, we’ll see him in the lineup on this upcoming road trip.”
Bruins still thinking playoffs ahead of trip
After the loss to the Sabres, the Bruins showed up to practice Tuesday morning three points out of a wild card spot ahead of games at the Vegas Golden Knights, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Detroit Red Wings. The road isn’t going to be easy, but Sacco and his team are still thinking playoffs.
“I think there is (something to play for),” said Sacco. “We came in this morning and … the games in hand? Sure you can look at that. But you can also just look at three points right now. That’s what’s separating us from the last wild card spot right now as we stand here today.”
