After a 7–2 victory over the New Jersey Devils, the Boston Bruins were back on the ice at Warrior Ice Arena for a practice session ahead of matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden. A few players were notably absent, and interim head coach Joe Sacco provided updates on their statuses.
Pavel Zacha was at the arena but did not skate, with Sacco explaining it was simply a maintenance day. At this stage of the season, it’s common for players to get extra rest—especially with the Bruins out of playoff contention and only three games remaining. Avoiding unnecessary risk is a smart move.
Defenseman Nikita Zadorov was also missing from practice, but for a different reason—he was away handling a family matter. Zadorov, who joined Boston as a free agent from the Vancouver Canucks, had a slow start to the year but has shown improvement in recent weeks. Sacco noted that Zadorov’s availability for Thursday’s game will be determined on game day.
In more positive news, forward Mark Kastelic was back on the ice in a regular contact jersey, signaling progress in his recovery. However, with just three games left on the schedule, Sacco didn’t provide a specific return timeline, and it remains uncertain if Kastelic will play again this season.
Bruins rack up milestones in win over Devils
It was a night of milestones for several Bruins players. Defenseman Michael Callahan recorded his first NHL goal in the opening period, while Fraser Minten—recently acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs—netted his first goal in a Bruins uniform during the third. Minten capitalized on a loose puck in front of the New Jersey net, spinning and firing a shot that sailed just under the crossbar.
Morgan Geekie has arguably been one of the Bruins’ top forwards in the second half of the season, alongside David Pastrnak. On Tuesday night, he notched his 30th goal of the year in the third period, finishing off a well-placed pass from Pastrnak. Geekie’s offensive development has taken a significant leap over the past two seasons, setting new career highs in goals each year—surpassing his previous best of 17 goals during the 2023–24 campaign.
Providence coach Ryan Mougenel is stepping away
Ryan Mougenel has been a steady presence behind the bench for the Providence Bruins, effectively guiding a roster that blends youth with veteran experience. He’s led the team to a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs, but according to GM Evan Gold, Mougenel is stepping away from the team due to a personal matter. In his absence, assistant coach Trent Whitfield will take over head coaching responsibilities.