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The Bruins are probably going to be without defenseman Matt Grzelcyk because of a concussion for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, but the St. Louis Blues are also going to be without center Oskar Sundqvist.
The series is tied 1-1 heading to St. Louis.
Because Sundqvist saw Grzelcyk’s numbers for some time, the Blues forward still had time to avoid driving into Grzelcyk’s back with force, a hit that smacked the defenseman’s face into the glass. In making the decision, the NHLDOPS took into account that the play was boarding, that Grzelcyk was injured and that Sundqvist had no suspensions or fines in his 144-game NHL career.
Earlier Thursday, Blues coach Craig Berube talked about leaning on Sundqvist’s line a bit to face the Bruins’ top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. Now he’ll have to find an alternative and be without a player who has also been helpful at the offensive end with nine points (four goals, five assists) in 21 postseason games.
“Sunny has always been a good defensive player, penalty killer for us, hard-working guy,” Berube said. “His offensive side has really come through this year, scoring quite a few goals during the regular season. He's gotten four in the playoffs here. Been a real good player for us in the playoffs. He's got a good offensive side to him, too. He's playing a real good 200-foot game. We kind of use him in all different situations.”
Grzelcyk is in the concussion protocol, according to Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy.
St. Louis’ Oskar Sundqvist has been suspended for one game for Boarding Boston’s Matt Grzelcyk. https://t.co/2W0ZLnn9fI— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) May 31, 2019