Charlie McAvoy Returns as Bruins Open Road Trip Against Sharks
- The Boston Bruins begin a four-game road trip facing the San Jose Sharks at 11 p.m.
- Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is set to rejoin the Bruins' lineup for the first time this season.
- It’s been a long time, and that’s one of the reasons why we gave him Hampus Lindholm on his side, just to calm him down and find his...
The Boston Bruins begin a four-game road trip facing the San Jose Sharks at 11 p.m. ET at the SAP Center. The matchup marks the start of a challenging stretch against high-skill opponents, according to head coach Marco Sturm, who emphasized the need for the team to maintain its focus and establish a strong rhythm early in the trip.
Charlie McAvoy Returns to Defensive Lineup
Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is set to rejoin the Bruins’ lineup for the first time this season. The 28-year-old missed the team’s first six games due to a suspension. To facilitate his return, Sturm confirmed that McAvoy will skate on the first defensive pair alongside Hampus Lindholm. The coaching staff intends for this pairing to provide stability as McAvoy works to regain his competitive form.
He’s got to find his game. It’s been a long time, and that’s one of the reasons why we gave him Hampus Lindholm on his side, just to calm him down and find his game. We are definitely happy to have him back.
Marco Sturm
The roster adjustment results in Connor Clifton being removed from the lineup. Will Borgen will also shift to the second defensive pair, where he will skate alongside Nikita Zadorov.
Continuity in the Forward Group
While the defense sees changes, the Bruins’ forward lines will remain unchanged for the game against San Jose. This includes the third line featuring Casey Mittelstadt, Elias Lindholm, and rookie James Hagens. Mittelstadt enters the contest on a two-game point streak, having scored goals in each of his last two appearances since being paired with his current linemates.
I think we’re just playing fast and playing simple when we need to play simple and making plays when plays are there. I think we gel pretty well. I feel like me and Hags see the game pretty similarly. Obviously, Lindy’s been around for a long time and does a heck of a job in the middle.
Casey Mittelstadt
Hagens, a product of Boston College, has recorded four points—two goals and two assists—through his first six NHL games. Tuesday’s game will mark the first time Hagens faces Will Smith, a former Boston College teammate, in professional play. Hagens noted that he and Smith remain friends off the ice, though no wagers have been placed on the outcome of the contest.
Strategic Outlook for the Road Trip
Sturm described the upcoming four-game sequence as a difficult test, noting that the Sharks represent a fast and skilled group of opponents. The team’s ability to integrate McAvoy back into the defensive rotation while maintaining the current offensive pace remains a primary focus as they begin the road trip in San Jose.