The Bruins are on the verge of having some lineup decisions to make in advance of Game Three of their first-round series against Toronto. The team announced (via Twitter) that center Riley Nash could be ready to return from concussion-like symptoms sustained on an ear laceration while winger Tommy Wingels skated and is very close to returning as well. Nash put up a career-best 41 points this season and will certainly be slotted back in as soon as he gets the green light, likely in place of Ryan Donato who drew in when Wingels missed Saturday’s contest. However, Wingels may have to wait to get his spot back as it’s unlikely that Boston will want to make too many changes following a strong two games to start the series.
More from the East:
- Still with the Toronto-Boston series, Maple Leafs winger Leo Komarov may not be ready to suit up in Game Three after suffering a lower-body injury on Saturday. Head coach Mike Babcock acknowledged to reporters, including TSN’s Kristen Shilton (Twitter link), that Komarov is still being evaluated but they are planning as if he won’t be available. If he can’t play, one of Matt Martin, Josh Leivo, or Dominic Moore will draw into the lineup.
- With winger Michael Grabner struggling to produce in New Jersey since being acquired, Larry Brooks of the New York Post suggests that this could create an opportunity to return to the Rangers next season. The 30-year-old speedster has posted just five points (2-3-5) in 23 games since the trade, including the playoffs, hardly what New Jersey was hoping for when they dealt for him. Brooks believes that this could quell his market in free agency and while he could still double his current $1.65MM cap hit, Grabner’s asking price could drop down to the point where a reunion on Broadway may make sense.
Connorsoxfan
Yeah Boston’s got some tough decisions to make on their 2nd and 3rd lines. Bergy-Marchand-Pastrnak are obviously locked in and I don’t see them breaking up that 4th line. That leaves 6 spots for Krejci, Backes, Nash, Nash, Wingels, Gionta, Donato, and whoever else I’m forgetting.
Hannibal8us
Forgot Heinen.
Connorsoxfan
Oh crap Debrusk too
Hockeysense93
A good problem to have…
Puckhead83
Bruins will go back to the Heinen-Backes-Riley Nash line and then put the 50’s line back together. Donato will sit as will Wingels