Charlie McAvoy out; Tuukka Rask unlikely vs. Red Wings
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The Bruins might have had full attendance for team picture day Monday at TD Garden, but they won’t have that luxury Tuesday night against the Red Wings.
In addition to Patrice Bergeron nursing a foot injury, the Bruins will also have to go to battle without Charlie McAvoy against their Original Six foes in 24 hours. The former Boston University standout and Calder Trophy candidate will be further evaluated for a lower-body injury on Monday after his departure just 37 seconds into the B’s 2-1 overtime win over the Canadiens.
“I have nothing new to report,” head coach Bruce Cassidy said about McAvoy. “He’s getting evaluated this afternoon. He won’t play tomorrow, and then we’ll go from there.”
McAvoy, who arrived in the team picture wearing flip-flops, reportedly arrived to TD Garden wearing a brace on his left knee according to The Boston Globe. The Bruins are expected provide a further update on McAvoy’s status on Monday.
New: Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy was present at TD Garden today with a brace on his left knee. https://t.co/Ykypbac2q0
— Boston Globe Sports (@BGlobeSports) March 5, 2018
Tuukka Rask also missed Monday’s practice as he continues to nurse a nagging, albeit minor, lower-body injury. Cassidy stated that Rask is unlikely to start Tuesday.
“Tuukka is nursing a minor injury, and he stayed off [the ice] today,” Cassidy said, “so we’ll keep an eye on that one. Other than not skating for three days…he doesn’t look like he’ll be able to go tomorrow, but that’s just an observation because he probably wants to get a little work before he goes back in the net.”
Luckily for Rask and the Bruins, backup Anton Khudobin is coming off a solid 27-save effort against the Habs and will likely make his second straight start Tuesday night. The Bruins’ backup last started consecutive games back in November — a four-game run that began during the team’s California trip.
The Bruins did get a bit of good news on the injury front. Both Matt Grzelcyk and Tommy Wingels will be available against the Red Wings. Grzelcyk missed the last two games while nursing a minor lower-body injury, while Wingels, while deemed a healthy scratch against the Habs, dealt with his own nagging lower-body injury.