Bruins coach Jim Montgomery explains why two key players are absent against the Kings

Bruins coach Jim Montgomery explains why two key players are absent against the Kings

Jim Montgomery provided reasons for the absence of two key forwards in Thursday night’s preseason game in Quebec City.

The Boston Bruins will face the Los Angeles Kings in what will be their second-to-last preseason game. While the team will feature many of their regulars, they will be missing two important players for different reasons, as stated by head coach Jim Montgomery.

Montgomery detailed why Marchand and Poitras will not play against the Kings. The lineup will still include Charlie Coyle, Trent Frederic, Elias Lindholm, David Pastrnak, and Pavel Zacha up front, along with Tyler Johnson, Patrick Brown, Justin Brazeau, and Max Jones.

Matthew Marchand participated in Tuesday night’s game, a 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, but he did not play in the second period due to an illness. Montgomery mentioned on Thursday that the team is allowing him more time to recover.

In contrast, Matthew Poitras is dealing with an injury and is considered day-to-day. Montgomery’s statement reflects the typical NHL strategy of not revealing too much information. With the regular season starting in just five days against the Florida Panthers, it’s understandable that neither player should rush back.

On Sunday, the Bruins made their first round of cuts, sending Fabian Lysell to the Providence Bruins in the AHL. However, on Thursday, they announced that Lysell, the 21st pick in the 2021 Entry Draft, has been recalled and will be part of the lineup against Los Angeles.

Players like Johnson, Lysell, Brandon Bussi, and Michael DiPietro will be looking to make a final impression on the coaching staff and front office. After facing the Kings, the Bruins will conclude their preseason against the Washington Capitals on Saturday at 5 p.m. in the nation’s capital.