Jake DeBrusk bounced back nicely from being a healthy scratch, scoring his first five-on-five goal of the season and playing an all-around strong game in Thursday's 4-0 win over the Rangers.
The Bruins winger will not get a chance to back that performance up, though. The team announced Saturday morning that DeBrusk has been placed in COVID-19 protocol and will miss Saturday afternoon's game against the Rangers.
Being placed on the COVID-19 list doesn't necessarily mean DeBrusk tested positive. The NHL explains that players can be placed on the COVID list for the following reasons:
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.
DeBrusk is the third Bruin this season to appear on the COVID list. Karson Kuhlman was on it to start the season, and Charlie Coyle missed one game a week and a half ago while on the list. Coyle said he had to enter protocols after a false positive.
Coach Bruce Cassidy said Brad Marchand, who was considered questionable after getting banged up Thursday night, is feeling better and should play as long as he gets through warmups OK.
