Mike Felger weighs in on which goaltender should get the start in the NHL playoffs.
The Boston Bruins will once again be without star right winger David Pastrnak when they play the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Friday night.
Pastrnak suffered an injury in the third period of Monday's overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets and was unable to finish the game. Veteran defenseman Hampus Lindholm picked up an injury in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night. His status for the showdown with the Lightning has not been decided yet.
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“Pasta will be out tomorrow,” Cassidy told reporters Thursday. “Lindholm, they weren’t sure. They were hoping to get him on the ice today, but it didn’t work out that way. I know he did off-ice (drills). I won’t rule him out yet, but Pasta’s definitely out.”
Pastrnak also missed Tuesday's game versus the Red Wings. But Cassidy isn't concerned about the issue being a long-term concern for the 38-goal scorer.
“I don’t think he’s (out) a while," Cassidy said. "We listed him as day-to-day. He’s still on the trip. I think if it was anything long term, he would have gone home by now. Will he be ready Sunday? I guess when we get on the ice Saturday, if he’s out there we’ll be able to give you a better idea then. But that’s where he’s at now.”
The Bruins should give Pastrnak all the time he needs to be as healthy as possible for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in early May. The Bruins aren't likely to go very far in the postseason if Pastrnak is fighting an injury.
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There is some good news for the Bruins on the injury front, though.
Trent Frederic, who, like Pastrnak, was injured in Monday's matchup against the Blue Jackets, is healthy enough to return to the lineup Friday night. That's a nice boost for the Bruins given the recent success the third line of Frederic, Charlie Coyle and Craig Smith has enjoyed over the last month.
The Bruins and Lightning are tied for third place in the Atlantic Division with 93 points apiece. Boston owns the tiebreaker with a 42-41 edge in regulation and overtime wins (ROW).