Bruins defense takes notable injury hit ahead of Flames game
The Boston Bruins will be without right-shot defenseman Andrew Peeke for the foreseeable future. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed after Thursday’s morning skate that Peeke is considered “week-to-week” with…
Nov 5, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke (52) skates during the warmup before a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesThe Boston Bruins will be without right-shot defenseman Andrew Peeke for the foreseeable future.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery confirmed after Thursday's morning skate that Peeke is considered "week-to-week" with an upper-body injury suffered Tuesday night in Toronto. Montgomery added that the B's did not make a call-up from Providence to replace Peeke in the lineup for Thursday night against the Calgary Flames at TD Garden.
For now, the Bruins are going with two left-shot defensemen on their third pairing. Parker Wotherspoon, who has subbed in for Mason Lohrei over the past three games, will slide over to the right side. Lohrei will go back into the lineup and take the third left defensive spot.
If the Bruins decide after Thursday's game that they want to incorporate another right-shot defenseman into the lineup in Peeke's place, the logical choice for the next man up is Ian Mitchell, who played 13 games in Boston in the 2023-24 season. The Providence Bruins also have Drew Bavaro, Ryan Mast, and Billy Sweezy, all of whom spent time with Boston in training camp.
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images<sup>Nov 5, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN: Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) battles with Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke (52) in front of goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) at Scotiabank Arena. (Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)</sup>
Peeke has logged two assists in 13 games so far this season, while averaging 16:12 of ice time. He has an on-ice shot attempt rate of 45.3% at five-on-five.
Here's the full projected forward lines and defensive pairs for Thursday night, via Jim McBride of the Boston Globe:
Tyler Johnson - Pavel Zacha - David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand - Elias Lindholm - Justin Brazeau
Cole Koepke - Charlie Coyle - Matthew Poitras
Johnny Beecher - Mark Kastelic - Trent Frederic
Nikita Zadorov - Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm - Brandon Carlo
Mason Lohrei - Parker Wotherspoon
According to multiple reports, Joonas Korpisalo was first off the ice at morning skate, indicating that he will start Thursday night against the Flames. That sets the stage for a potential Jeremy Swayman vs. Linus Ullmark matchup for Saturday night, when the Bruins take on the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden.
Puck drop is set for around 7 p.m. ET on Thursday night. You can get full coverage on 98.5 The Sports Hub, starting with pregame at 6:30 and the call of the game with Ryan Johnston and Bob Beers.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
[select-listicle listicle_id="375629" syndication_name="3-stars-bruins-close-out-weekend-back-to-back-with-identity-kind-of-win" description="yes"]
