BEDFORD — The Bruins have faced a number of injuries during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but they’re on the road to recovery.
Defenseman Andrew Peeke, injured during Boston’s Game 2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round, is “getting closer” to returning, according to coach Jim Montgomery on Thursday. Whether he will be ready for Game 3 against the Florida Panthers is still uncertain, but the team expects to have a clearer picture of Peeke’s availability by Friday morning.
General manager Don Sweeney mentioned earlier this week that both Andrew Peeke and Danton Heinen are expected to be back during the Bruins’ second-round series against the Florida Panthers.
Their potential returns will present coach Jim Montgomery with some roster decisions on both defense and the forward lines. Heinen’s absence has likely allowed Justin Brazeau or James van Riemsdyk to stay in the lineup. On defense, Mason Lohrei, who was called up after Peeke’s injury, has been performing well in the playoffs. The rookie defenseman even scored a goal in the Bruins’ Game 1 win over Florida.
The series is tied at 1-1 after Florida earned a 6-1 win at home. After a feisty Game 2 that featured 13 game misconducts and a slew of other penalties, the Bruins return to TD Garden for the next two games in front of their home crowd.
“I think it’s gonna be physical,” Montgomery said. “Both teams are physical. And that’s what creates playoff hockey. Game 1, we wont handily. Game 2, they won handily. I think it’s gonna get tight.”
