Bruins forward Matt Poitras was injured in Boston’s 2-1 loss to the Islanders on Thursday when he was hit into an open door on New York’s bench. Matt Slocum/Associated Press
In what has been a sea of bad news during their five-game losing streak, the Bruins finally got a pleasant surprise on Friday.
Matt Poitras, who suffered what looked like a serious lower-body injury when he crashed dead-on into the boards with the door open at the Islander bench on Thursday, was back on the ice for Friday’s practice ahead of the Bruins two-game road trip to Pittsburgh and Minnesota.
It is not certain he will play Saturday against the Penguins, but it is trending that way. Poitras said he was ready to go, though coach Joe Sacco was a little more cautious.
“When he went out of the game (Thursday), we were a little concerned. We held him out for precautionary reasons. He presented well this morning, he was able to get through practice so that’s a good sign. We’ll see how he is (Saturday). He may be available for us,” said Sacco.
In the second period of the 2-1 loss to the Islanders, Brock Nelson was trying to ride him out of the back check along the boards while, unbeknownst to both Nelson and Poitras, backup goalie Jakub Skarek was opening the door for a line change. Nelson wound up guiding Poitras directly into the edge of the boards at the open door.
Poitras called it “kind of an unlucky play.”
“Obviously it was a little scary. Didn’t feel very good last night but I feel better today, so I’m just lucky it wasn’t worse than it was,” said Poitras.
“When I woke up this morning I felt better. Just got some imaging and it came back clean. It’s still a little sore, but it’s just a bruise.”
Poitras didn’t hold any ill will towards Nelson.
“I saw it after the game. It’s kind of a scary play and you never really think something like that would happen. I just think it was very unfortunate and unlucky,” said Poitras. “I can’t really blame anyone for that. It was just kind of a fluke play. I watched it a couple of times and obviously it doesn’t look great but, yeah, I’m glad it’s fine.”
He said he can play against the Penguins.
“I just want to try and do anything to help the team win. Points are very important right now, we’re playing well and hopefully we’ll be rewarded,” said Poitras.
Meanwhile, the Bruins made several roster moves ahead of their flight to Pittsburgh. After Oliver Wahlstrom, a Maine native, cleared waivers, he was sent to Providence along with Riley Tufte and Michael Callahan. After practicing with the Providence Bruins on Friday morning, Georgii Merkulov, Jeffrey Viel and Ian Mitchell were called up.
Merkulov had one assist in three games with Boston earlier this season while producing at his usual high clip in Providence (13-31–44 in 47 games). Viel (8-18–26 and 130 PIMs in Providence) played one game in Boston (one fight, no points) while Mitchell (4-23–27 in 46 games in Providence) is on his first recall this season
BECAUSE IT HAPPENED in the Bruins’ fifth straight game without a victory, David Pastnrak’s run of torrid offense didn’t get the attention it would have in a win.
But despite the loss, Pastrnak:
• Extended his point streak to 16 games, the longest in the NHL this season. He has 14 goals and 18 assists over that stretch.
• Scored his 31st goal, which puts him fourth in the NHL. He’s two behind Mark Scheifele and William Nylander, who each have 33, and 12 behind Leon Draisaitl, who is running way with the race at 43. Pastrnak’s 73 points are also tied for fourth.
• Scored his 800th career point, making him the eighth Bruin to do so.
• Scored his 18th goal in 20 games since Jan. 1. He had just 13 goals in 39 games before New Year’s.
Pastrnak wasn’t feeling celebratory.
“I would give up the point streak for wins,” he said. “I just want to get the W and get back on a winning streak. I’m not focused on anything else. I’m trying to do my best to help the team.”
Brad Marchand said even though the Bruins aren’t near the top of the standings, Pastrnak should be in the MVP race.
“I mean, he should be very high in the MVP candidate race right now,” Marchand said. “He’s on another level and it’s impressive to watch him every night and the things that he does.
“He just creates so much for this group and he’s leading the charge right now. We understand the talent that he is. But he’s rising to another level right now where he’s one of the best in the league and it’s fun to watch.”
