BHN Daily: Boston Bruins Blue Line Running Thin; Scheifele Reaction

The Boston Bruins blue line could have a Providence Bruins feel for Game 4 of the East Division Final against the New York Islanders and those who scoffed at Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney targeting defense on the NHL trade and free-agent markets in recent years will learn once again that the old adage of ‘You can never have enough defensemen in the playoffs’ still holds true.

During the last NHL offseason and again heading into the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline, the Boston Bruins were linked to numerous defensemen on the NHL Trade market and in NHL Free agency. Given their ongoing need for a top 6 winger, many Boston Bruins fans and media covering the team criticized Sweeney. Well, how’s that Mike Reilly trade looking right now? The Jarred Tinordi waiver claim too?

Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy told the media that defenseman Brandon Carlo seemed to be OK after a Cal Clutterbuck hit left him dazed and out for the game just over six minutes into the third period of his team’s 2-1 overtime win over the Islanders in Game 3. However, given Carlo’s recent concussion history, it wouldn’t be surprising if he rests for a game. If that happens, then Tinordi would draw in again since he and Urho Vaakanainen are currently the only healthy defensemen the Bruins have left to come in. 

With Kevan Miller, Jakub Zboril, Steven Kampfer, and John Moore all unavailable, the Boston Bruins blue is running thin and some defensive prospects could be getting their first taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs a bit earlier than planned. 

Now on to the rest of your BHN Daily Links:

Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand scored his second overtime winner of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs and goalie Tuukka Rask was sensational in a 2-1 Game 3 win over the New York Islanders. My partner-in-crime Joe Haggerty has got your BHN Talking Points! (BHN)

Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy saw no ‘maliciousness’ in the Mark Scheifele hit on Jake Evans but if he and other old school coaches start to adapt to the new NHL more can they help keep players safe? (BHN)

Boston Bruins superstar David Pastrnak may just be the most fan-friendly player in the NHL! (BHN)

New York Islanders goalie Semyon Varlamov almost stole Game 3 for the Isles but then let in a strange goal to Brad Marchand in overtime. (NYI Hockey Now)

Prior to Game 3 Thursday night, Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield said he had no ill will towards Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk for the cross-check DeBrusk laid on the back of his head in Game 2. (NYI Hockey Now)

Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri will get another chance to appeal his eight-game suspension Friday. (Colorado Hockey Now)

How will the former bitter rivals of the Avalanche improve their roster this offseason? Kevin Allen examines and tries to predict what promises to be a busy offseason for the Detroit Red Wings. (Detroit Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers finally have players that are proud to wear their crest. (Florida Hockey Now)

Will the four-game suspension for Mark Scheifele deter NHLers from doing the same thing he did and show more respect for each other? (Sportsnet)

The captain got his team back into the series as Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal scored in overtime to give the Canes their first win of the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. (TSN)