Apparently the Bruins aren't out of the woods yet when it comes to COVID-19. Coach Bruce Cassidy said during his pregame press conference Saturday that star winger Brad Marchand is being added to the COVID-19 protocol list and is out for Saturday afternoon's game against the Sabres.
Marchand joins Sean Kuraly and Jake DeBrusk as the third Bruin currently in protocol. Kuraly has been on the list since last Thursday and DeBrusk since last Friday.
Three other Bruins -- David Pastrnak, David Krejci and Craig Smith -- were also put on the list last Friday, but they were removed on Wednesday. The Bruins' entire traveling party was in quarantine from Friday through Wednesday, forcing two games to be postponed as a result.
Marchand's addition doesn't necessarily mean he has COVID-19. The NHL explains the COVID protocol list as follows:
Such "COVID Protocol Related Absences" can be the result of a number of factors including, among others: (1) an initial positive test which remains unconfirmed until confirmatory testing is completed pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (2) mandated isolation for symptomatic individuals pursuant to the Positive Test Protocol; (3) required quarantine as a high-risk close contact in accordance with the Positive Test Protocol; (4) isolation based on a confirmed positive test result and/or; (5) quarantine for travel or other reasons as outlined in the COVID-19 Protocol.
With Marchand out, Cassidy said Trent Frederic will move up to the top line to play with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. Here is the expected lineup, with Dan Vladar starting in goal with Tuukka Rask out injured.
Trent Frederic - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak
Nick Ritchie - David Krejci - Craig Smith
Anders Bjork - Charlie Coyle - Zach Senyshyn
Greg McKegg - Jack Studnicka - Chris Wagner
Matt Grzelcyk - Charlie McAvoy
Jakub Zboril - Connor CliftonJarred Tinordi Jeremy Lauzon - Steven Kampfer
(Lauzon was a late addition to the lineup. He will make his return after missing the last month with a fractured hand.)
Dan Vladar
Jaroslav Halak
