Bruins lose defenseman to injury, status uncertain
Boston Bruins’ Hampus Lindholm plays against the Washington Capitals during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, in Boston.
BOSTON — Hampus Lindholm took an awkward fall midway through the third period and didn’t return to the Bruins’ 4-3 shootout win over the Dallas Stars on Monday at TD Garden.
Ty Dellandrea collided with him in the corner behind Jeremy Swayman and their knees collided. Lindholm skated awkwardly to the bench with just over 10 minutes remaining.
He originally stayed on the bench, but then went to the dressing room. He played 18:32 before the injury.
Jim Montgomery didn’t have an update on his condition.
“I don’t have anything concrete yet,” he said. “We’ll know more tomorrow.”
With the Bruins heading west for games beginning Wednesday in Edmonton, followed by Calgary, Vancouver and Seattle, they could have a roster decision to make.
If Lindholm can’t go, the Bruins would have just six defensemen available leaving them with no room for error if anyone were to get injured or sick. But unless Lindholm goes on IR, they’d have to move somebody else to call up a defenseman, likely Mason Lohrei or Ian Mitchell.
While Lindholm hasn’t been as good as he was last year when he received Norris Trophy consideration, his absence would be noticed. Lindholm is second on the team behind Charlie McAvoy averaging 23:48 of ice time per game. He has a goal and 18 assists this season. He’s a prominent part of both the penalty kill and power play units and is a key player in the team’s three-on-three overtime units.
