Illness sidelines Backes
Veteran to miss weeks with diverticulitis
The Bruins did not start the 2017-18 season the way they had envisioned.
Not only were the B’s without defenseman Torey Krug (broken jaw) and top center Patrice Bergeron, who is day-to-day with a lower body injury, but it was learned last night that David Backes will miss at least 3-4 weeks after being diagnosed with diverticulitis. He has been undergoing treatment at Mass. General by team internist Dr. David Finn.
Backes will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, but will be out longer than that. Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection in one or more small pouches in the digestive tract.
“It came on all of a sudden. It’s unfortunate but that’s the way it is right now and he’ll have the appropriate time to deal with it. We’ll miss him,” said coach Bruce Cassidy after last night’s 4-3 win over the Predators.
While Backes could miss a month or more, the hope for Bergeron is that he’ll be able to take advantage of the B’s light early schedule and be back in the lineup for the next game, Monday’s Columbus Day matinee against the Colorado Avalanche.
Krug skated hard before the morning skate and then joined his teammates on the ice. He’s got a doctor’s visit today and Cassidy said the best-case scenario would see him cleared for Monday’s matinee as well.
“Obviously, we want to dress the strongest lineup we can ... but one door closes and another opens. That’s the way we look at it, as opportunity for other guys. We’ve just got to put our best foot forward,” said Cassidy.
With those two veterans out, Ryan Spooner took Bergeron’s spot between Brad Marchand and rookie Anders Bjork to start the game, but right wingers Bjork and David Pastrnak were flipped in the second period, with Bjork going to play with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. That unit was part of two goals in the second period. Meanwhile, Frank Vatrano filled in for Backes as third line right winger with center Sean Kuraly and left winger Matt Beleskey.
Considering the ice time and the fact that he’s a key player in all situations, Bergeron is a tough guy to replace. Cassidy expected to use Nash in Bergeron’s bumper spot on the power play, and possibly move him up to play with Marchand on the penalty kill as well. But the bulk of Bergeron’s time will be taken by Spooner.
“Ryan’s a good offensive player,” said Cassidy. “When he’s on his game, he’s very dynamic. He’ll have some speed on his wing; I think he does well with that element. He’ll get his opportunity. Hopefully, he’s up to the task.”
Another one down
With Bergeron and Backes already out, the B’s lost another forward when Noel Acciari had to leave the game in the second period when it appeared he blocked a shot with his hand. He did not return and Cassidy said he does not expect him for Monday’s game.
If Bergeron is not ready by Monday, the B’s will have to call up a forward from Providence.
It’s too bad for Acciari, because the Rhode Island native was buzzing in the first period and had a couple of scoring chances. He’s hoping to build off his strong finish last year.
On the mend
Austin Czarnik, on the shelf for a week with an illness, joined injured players Krug and Emil Johansson for a skate, though he didn’t last as long as Krug and Johansson. After being deemed healthy, Johansson was assigned to Providence . ...
Cassidy said he expects backup goaltender Anton Khudobin will see two games in October . ...
Spooner has struggled on faceoffs throughout his career, but last night he won 5-of-8 draws he took . ...
Zdeno Chara led the B’s in ice time with a manageable 23:33. Rookie Charlie McAvoy was second with 22:00 . ...
There was one bout, with heavyweights Cody McLeod and Adam McQuaid battling to a draw in the first period.