Jake DeBrusk out vs. Maple Leafs with possible concussion

By Ty Anderson, 985TheSportsHub.com

The hits just keep on coming for the Boston Bruins, losers of three straight in regulation for the first time since Mar. 2017, as they will be without forward Jake DeBrusk for tonight's head-to-head with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"Came in yesterday and wasn't feeling well, and was not feeling great during the Tampa game," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said after Saturday's morning skate at Warrior Ice Arena. “So right now, can only speculate. We know he got hit in the back of the head with the puck in Toronto. Right now we are waiting for him to come and let us know where he’s at.”

Cassidy's mention of the puck to the head sets off an obvious alarm for a potential concussion for the second-year winger, though Cassidy wouldn't confirm that directly, simply saying that DeBrusk is not feeling well physically.

It would almost make sense, though, as DeBrusk has been largely ineffective since the incident, with zero points and just eight shots in four games. DeBrusk also dealt with concussion issues briefly during the 2017-18 season.

With DeBrusk out, Cassidy will go for a load-up on his first line, putting David Krejci between Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak, leaving Colby Cave to center a de facto second line with Danton Heinen and David Backes.

DeBrusk currently ranks second among all B's skaters with 10 goals, and has generated 52 even-strength individual scoring chances this year (the third-most on the team).