Kastelic has not played since November 2nd when he suffered a high-ankle sprain that has subsequently kept him out of the lineup for approximately six weeks. Kastelic had zero points in nine games before his injury, averaging 6:55 time-on-ice. At morning skate on Thursday, he skated on the fourth line with Parker Kelly and Rourke Chartier.
McAvoy played only 15:53 time-on-ice on Thursday before exiting the game with a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old defenseman did not play on Saturday and has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup against the New Jersey Devils. His status remains to be determined for the team's next contest on Friday against the New York Islanders. Kevin Shattenkirk has assumed McAvoy's duties on the top powerplay in his absence.
Zacha exited Saturday's contest against the Arizona Coyotes with an upper-body injury after playing only 6:42 time-on-ice and has been ruled out of action on Wednesday against the New Jersey Devils. His status remains to be determined for the team's next contest on Friday against the New York Islanders. Zacha has centred the top line and top powerplay unit all season, scoring 19 points (8G / 11A) in 26 games, averaging 18:22 time-on-ice. Morgan Geekie is expected to center the top line between Jake DeBrusk and David Pastrnak during Zacha's absence and assume duties on the top powerplay.
Harris has not played since November 18th, missing 10 consecutive games, and will miss an additional 10-14 days as he recovers from a lower-body injury. The 23-year Harris was averaging 18:45 time-on-ice and had three points (0G / 3A) through 16 games this season.
Zacha exited Saturday's contest against the Arizona Coyotes with an upper-body injury after playing only 6:42 time-on-ice. Zacha has centred the top line and top powerplay unit all season, scoring 19 points (8G / 11A) in 26 games, averaging 18:22 time-on-ice. Morgan Geekie is expected to center the top line between Jake DeBrusk and David Pastrnak during Zacha's absence.
Brandon Bussi was recalled on Thursday to backup Linus Ullmark as Swayman was out of the lineup battling an illness. The starting goalie has not been announced yet for Saturday's contest against the Arizona Coyotes but if called upon, Swayman will be ready to suit up after returning to practice on Friday. Swayman has been tremendous lately, saving 50 of the last 51 shots he has faced (.980 SV%) during a two-game winning streak.
McAvoy played only 15:53 time-on-ice on Thursday before exiting the game with a shoulder injury. The 25-year-old defenseman did not participate in practice on Friday, and is considered day-to-day but hopeful to play Saturday. If McAvoy misses any time, look for Hampus Lindholm to move up to the top powerplay unit, where he saw success last season when McAvoy was out of the lineup.
Brandon Bussi will likely serve as the Bruins' backup on Thursday as Swayman is dealing with an illness. Swayman's absence from the lineup shouldn't linger much longer, which is great news for the Bruins since he has been tremendous lately, saving 50 of the last 51 shots he has faced (.980 SV%) during a two-game winning streak.
With Derek Forbort on long-term injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, Lohrei has been recalled from the Providence Bruins of the AHL and will likely be with the team until Forbort returns which will not be until, at the earliest, December 31st. The 22-year-old Lohrei made his NHL debut earlier this season, playing well in 10 games with the Bruins, scoring four points (1G / 3A) and averaging 17:35 time-on-ice.
Lindholm is dealing with an illness which prevented him from participating in practice on Monday and made him a game-time decision on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild. Lindholm scored two points (2G / 0A) on Saturday, his first two-goal performance of the season, snapping a three-game pointless skid. Lindholm's 17 points (7G / 10A) in 24 games have him pacing for his lowest point total since joining the Flames in the 2018-19 season.
Reichel was a healthy scratch in the Blackhawks' 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday but will return to the lineup to skate on a line with Ryan Donato and Mackenzie Entwistle. The 17th overall pick of the Blackhawks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft has struggled to find his footing this season, scoring only six points (2G / 4A) and registering a -17 plus/minus through 22 games.
Lindholm is dealing with an illness preventing him from participating in practice on Monday and will be a game-time decision on Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild. Lindholm scored two points (2G / 0A) on Saturday, his first two-goal performance of the season, snapping a three-game pointless skid. Lindholm's 17 points (7G / 10A) in 24 games have him pacing for his lowest point total since joining the Flames in the 2018-19 season.
Swayman will get the call for the back-end of the Boston's back-to-back after Linus Ullmark got the start in Toronto on Saturday. Swayman pitched a shutout his last time out, stopping all 26 shots he faced in a 3-0 victory over the Sharks on Thursday. The 25-year-old Swayman has been outstanding this season, registering a 2.17 GAA and a .930 SV% to go along with his 8-1-2 record. He is in a great spot to keep things rolling on Sunday with the Bruins being -250 favourites over the Blue Jackets.
