Kobasew sidelined
On Tuesday, Chuck Kobasew was struck on the inside of the left leg on an unprotected spot by a Zdeno Chara slap shot, just between the boot and his shinpad.
"There's a little area this big," said GM Peter Chiarelli, holding his fingers slightly apart, "where the puck hit."
Kobasew, who will be sidelined for 4-8 weeks because of a fractured tibia, was at TD Banknorth Garden this morning, moving around on crutches with his leg in a cast.
"It's a tough time of year when there's six games to go to be dealt with this," said Kobasew, Boston's second-leading goal-scorer.
Glen Murray will most likely take Kobasew's spot on the No. 1 line alongside David Krejci and Marco Sturm.
* Marc Savard will not play tonight and will also be unavailable on Saturday against Ottawa and Sunday at Buffalo. Chiarelli declined to comment on a Boston Herald story that disclosed a broken bone in Savard's back. Chiarelli said Savard will be re-evaluated after the weekend.
* Andrew Ference (knee sprain) will not play tonight. Ference was scheduled to skate this morning but wasn't feeling well enough to go. Ference wasn't sure whether he'd be able to skate tomorrow.
* Patrice Bergeron passed his neuro-psych test yesterday, yet another checkpoint in his comeback from his Grade 3 concussion. Bergeron, however, has not been cleared for full-contact practice. That might come after his appointment this afternoon with a neurologist. Bergeron has been symptom-free for a week. Once he's cleared for full-contact practice, Bergeron estimated he might require seven to 10 days of on-ice sessions without headaches before he can return to play. Bergeron also said he needs to put on 10 pounds and work on his conditioning before he's game-ready.
Tonight's expected lineup:
Sturm-Krejci-Murray
Lucic-Metropolit-Axelsson
Schaefer-Sobotka-Kessel
Reich-Nokelainen-Thornton
Chara-Ward
Lashoff-Wideman
Stuart-Hnidy
Thomas



We are lucky Washington had such a bad start. They still might catch us as good as they look right now. We just have to hope that we can tread water. We'll get crushed in the first round though.
Well, we're also pretty lucky that Philly has a tough schedule ahead of them. They're only 2 points ahead of us and face the Pens and NJ twice. Let's hope they choke.
Also Washington has a losing record against most of the teams they have left. I don't count them out by any means, but I'd hardly count us out either.
ALWAYS A HOCKEY FAN......BUT , GO CELTICS BRUINS NEED A FEW MORE QUALITY PLAYERS TO COMPETE AT THE TOP !
You have to look at how well the B's have done this season with out Bergeron and a rookie back-up...I think even if they do not make the playoffs this year but really make a push, there is nothing to be ashamed of
Get well soon, Chucky!
if the Bruins secure the 8th seed for the playoffs, Claude Julien gets coach of the year...he deserves it
GO B's!
As weird as it is, this team seems to do better when people get hurt. It's like it motivates them or something. When everyone's healthy, they sit back more and hope not to injure themselves. But once they're injured, they're like "Screw it!" and just play hard hockey.
Is Joe Thornton available maybe we could trade for him . he could be a good 3rd or 4th line center , maybe we could get Brian Rolston, or maybe even Mike Knunble or michael nylander , or kyle mclaren . they might help in the playoffs
Wake up! Dont you guys understand that this team has shown more heart and guts and determination than any other team in the NHL this year. They have reminded me of why I have been a die hard all these years! Work ethic, perserverance, determination, heart, these are all characteristics of what it means to be a BRUIN! These guys have demonstated this time and time again this year bouncing back after a loss and overcoming major inhuries!! I am so proud to be a BRUINS fan and I will continue to accept the good and the bad because a true fan can say, When we win the cup, I have been there all along!!!
I totally agree that no matter what given all the injuries, which the total games lost has to be around 300, the Bruins shouldn't have anything to be ashamed of this year. They do need a few more quality players, but if healthy they have a pretty solid core already. Go Go Black 'N Gold!!!!!
I'm with you guys, with all the quality players that have gone down this season plus the underwhelming play of Murray and Schaefer, the Bruins are doing great to be where they are.
It's not like they've been challenging for the Cup for the past couple of seasons, so this is not disappointing. Getting in would be a step in the right direction no matter the outcome.
Totally pumped about the play of the younger guys, Lucic, Kessel, Krecji, and Sobotka.....bright futures for those guys.
Finally, enough about Thorton, Knuble, Rolston and the like. That was the last regime and it's over. Chiarelli's running the show, with Cam, and I personally like the direction they're heading. They kept the young guys at the deadline and when Murray's money frees up, I think they'll spend it wisely.
GO BRUINS
Tough break for the team, the fans, and most importantly Kobasew . Glad to see he is up and around and still in the rink to be with his team. It seems like everyone injured this year has been rushing back to support their team even if the can’t be on the ice. This season has been something special by a TEAM of supportive players. I notice one is still missing. I have to say I am disappointed. Bergeron has been one of the most impressive players I have see come into the game in years. He has been a leader, and showed great potential. He moves well, shoots well, checks like a truck but has always come out on top. The one time he gets really hurt I expected him to come back as soon as possible. I, and most of the fans have given him some leeway but enough is enough. If he is gun-shy and not able to get in the game again let’s open up the spot for someone who wants to be there, if not …..it is time to step up , get back on the ice , and show what leadership abilities come with that A on his shirt . Enough with the excuses! The doctor seems set to clear him and he already has excuses to delay the return. Time to shine like the rest of the boys, or fade off into the sunset. GO Boston!!!!!!!!
I agree with a few aother fans, the Bruins play well when injured. They step it up, play hard and win. Unfortunately if the bruins make the playoffs they will face the dreaded habs and we all know what that means...........Best of luck to the Bruins!!
http://mirtle.blogs pot.com/2008/03/offi cial-man-games-lost- to-injury.html
Bruins are third in the league in games lost to injury as of 3/18... can just imagine how bad it is now with the added injuries. Sad thing is there is no way in hell Julien is getting the Jack Adams even though he clearly deserves it... he is hardly even getting consideration from the media.
Erik, would you rather Bergeron come back for these final six games and the playoffs (likely to only be one round) and risk getting another concussion and ending his career? Personally, after witnessing great talent lost to concussions (Lindros ring a bell?) I prefer the Bruins take their time bringing him back and ensure that he is healthy. He suffered a Grade 3 concussion which is as bad as they come... the man would have died if not for his traps being strong enough to support his spine and prevent breaking. He could hardly walk after the hit so I doubt he is now faking it... the man just needs time (and doctor's clearance!) to make his way back. No use rushing him back only to lose him for good.
Erik, I think that you are grossly underestimating the devastating impact that post-concussion syndrome can have on a person. My wife is still dealing with the after-effects of PCS well over a year and a half after a work accident where she wasn't even knocked out. Patrice Bergeron was slammed face-first into the boards at high speed, and was unconscious for several minutes. Trust me, he isn't being a wimp about it. Better to err on the side of caution when dealing with PCS. Look at Simon Gagne. He would most likely be playing tonight if he hadn't tried to rush back after a head injury. I would rather see Bergeron sit out the rest of the season and come back at 100% (hopefully) next season than have him back at less than 100% for a few games until he got his bell rung again.
Tough luck about Kobasew. His tenacity on the ice has been a big boost to the team this season. Even worse that he has to be replaced by Schaefer. From a team standpoint, they would be better off if Schaefer could develop "flu-like symptoms" for a while, so they could call up a kid from Providence who might actually play like he wants to be with the Bruins.
Between Kobasew and Savvy being out, and Sundin coming back tonight, the battle to cling on to 8th place in the East just got more difficult. Go Bruins!
The bottom line is that the kids need to step it up big, and I mean big. Kessel, Krejci, Sobotka, Nokelainen, and Lucic- this is your time to exceed expectations and deliver clutch and timely plays. Come one, we need you guys!
Also, the defense and goaltending must be lights-out if there is any chance of making the playoffs, getting through the first round, and on.
Anything less than these efforts will not be enough to win. The experience and skill is injured. It is time for the rest to play bigger and smarter than ever.
It would be great to see Boston make the playoffs even if they have to play Montreal- I remember when Boston had Lemellen and Moog and they upset Montreal back during the 1990's-Boston may play better being the underdog and could steal a game against the Habs in Montreal. In reality if one of these teams Buffalo, Washington or Toronto finished in 8th spot-they could easily upset Montreal and probably have a better chance of upsetting Montreal although Boston may still have a chance even with these recent injuries. The game against Toronto tonight could either make or break Boston!!!
the b's have a better than fair chance to move up into the sixth spot... if they manage that, they can get past the first round, and maybe get back their injured players to make this intersting...
jc
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