By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Bruins could have their full defense back on Thursday night, as they get ready for Game 4 against the Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. Bruce Cassidy told reporters after practice that defenseman Matt Grzelcyk “should be good to go” for the game, but will be a game-time decision with a lower body injury.
Boston got back a full complement of forwards in Game 3 on Monday night, thanks to the return of Riley Nash to his regular role as the third-line center. But with Grzelcyk unable to go in Game 3, trade deadline addition Nick Holden stepped in as a third-pairing defenseman with Adam McQuaid.
With Grzelcyk back in the lineup, the Bruins will finally be back to full strength.
Per Bruce Cassidy, Matt Grzelcyk “should be good to go” tonight, but is a game-time decision. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/5rLaoaKzVz
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 19, 2018
Grzelcyk frequently paired up with Kevan Miller during the regular season, so there’s a possibility that Cassidy reunites them and pairs Krug with McQuaid. No matter how Cassidy decides to line them up, the Bruins’ defenders are going to need to do a better job against the Leafs’ stretch passes on offense than they did in Game 3.
Having Grzelcyk’s skating and hockey smarts back on the ice could help the Bruins’ back end with their aggression on the forecheck, and also jump-start their offense going back the other way.
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.