The Bruins are hoping to get an added push adding Matthew Poitras to the lineup, this weekend.
After suffering an undisclosed injury during training camp, the young Bruins forward is expected to make his regular season debut in Saturday’s matinee against the Los Angeles Kings.
“He’s very close,” said Bruins coach Jim Montgomery. “He’s progressing in the right way. I’ve got to say he’s a possibility for tomorrow. We just have to see how he responds later today.”
A 5-foot-11, 181-pound center, Poitras was an active participant in Friday’s practice. Skating on a line flanked by Trent Fredric and right winger Justin Brazeau, he appeared in great spirits. He even led his team in the final stretch, before leaving the ice.
“Obviously, I’m really excited,” said Poitras, 20. “Hopefully I’m in the lineup and get to play. It’s been a long time playing a game that’s meaningful. Preseason games obviously mean something. You want to get ready for the season, but now it really means something. I just want to get out there.”
Poitras is shooting to be the third winger to skate on the Bruins checking line in as many games. He is the latest in a big group that includes 6-foot-3, 222-pound left winger Max Jones and 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward Riley Tufte. While not as physically imposing as either of those two, Poitras feels he can bring his own unique blend of skill to the line.