Bruins Recall Anders Bjork On Emergency Basis
The Boston Bruins will be down Brad Marchand for five games after the NHL hit the winger with a suspension. His absence made it necessary for the team to recall winger Anders Bjork from Providence in the AHL.
General manager Don Sweeney announced Bjork’s call-up on Wednesday, hours after the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced Marchand’s suspension.
Bjork started the season with Boston, scoring 12 points in 28 games. But after scoring 7 points in his first 9 contests, he struggled offensively with just 5 points in his next 19. He scored 4 points in 8 games with Providence since getting sent down on Jan. 3.
Patrice Bergeron congratulates Anders Bjork after he scored a goal. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Anders Bjork Recalled: Now What?
Sweeney’s decision to recall Bjork came out of necessity with Marchand’s suspension. But the Bruins’ roster concerns go beyond just that – Patrice Bergeron (illness) and Noel Acciari (lower body) both missed Wednesday’s practice.
However, Cassidy told reporters that he expects Bergeron to play against the Senators on Thursday in Ottawa. The center played under the weather against the Devils on Tuesday and scored a power play goal. Likewise, the coach also sounded optimistic for Acciari’s ability to play on Thursday.
It appears that Bjork will simply replace Marchand on Bergeron’s line for the next five games. Considering how well the Bruins continue to play (22-3-4 in their last 29 games), there’s reason to be confident that they can survive Marchand’s latest incident.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
