Canucks vs. Bruins Game Day Update: Brock Boeser set to return ...

'We're playing a team that's structured. When you can add a guy like Brock, who doesn't need a lot of chances to score, it helps.' — Rick Tocchet on Brock Boeser's return from concussion

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Published Nov 26, 2024  •  Last updated 9 hours ago  •  5 minute read

The return of winger Brock Boeser from a concussion should give the Canucks a lot to cheer about Tuesday against the Bruins. Photo by Codie McLachlan /Getty Images

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When/where: Tuesday, 4 p.m., TD Garden

TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650

The buzz: Brock Boeser is finally good to go.

The Canucks winger suffered a concussion Nov. 7 on a brutal illegal and blind-side check to the head that resulted in a three-game suspension for winger Tanner Jeannot. Boeser had four goals in his previous seven games before being sidelined.

“He’ll play tonight,” Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said following an optional game-day skate Tuesday. “He wants to play. In those (post concussion) situations when you’re medically cleared, then it’s the player’s decision I think. A guy like Brock, he wants to play every game.

“He has played a lot of hockey for us over the years and it’s good to have a guy like that in the lineup. We’re paying a Bruins team that’s tight and always known as a good structured defensive team. When you can add a guy like Brock, who doesn’t need a lot of chances to score, it helps.

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“We have to use it to our advantage but we have to still stay to the identity of our team. Things don’t change because Brock is back in, or we start getting guys back.”

Boeser said he felt great following a Monday practice at Boston University but knows there’s a challenge in returning Tuesday.

“It’s hard to not be in game shape, but they pushed me pretty hard,” he admitted. “It’s really hard to judge until you step into that first game. Short shifts and control it that way.”

The buzz 2.0: Jake DeBrusk had his moments to remember and forget in seven seasons with the Bruins.

The big winger had a pair of 27-goal campaigns and another where he netted 25. However, the 14th overall selection in the 2015 draft also had prolonged scoring slumps — and even a trade request that was later rescinded — and free agency was his ticket to get market value and term.

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The Canucks thought the same.

They knew DeBrusk was at his best in the playoffs last spring, and that is what they are banking on. Find your feet, get your game in order, and have a postseason presence. DeBrusk led the Bruins with 11 points (5-6) in 13 playoff games, was second in hits (53) and second among forwards in blocked shots (16).

DeBrusk, 28, also learned “The Boston Way” of versatility and compete by aligning with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand and also taking shifts with David Pastrnak. It is why the highly coveted left winger signed a seven-year, $38.5-million US free-agent contract here to bring size, bite, versatility, production and a more complete game.

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Once again, DeBrusk started slow with no goals in his first nine Canuck games. However, he found mojo on the road, and all of his five goals, including two Saturday in a 4-3 win at Ottawa, have come away from Rogers Arena.

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“He’s coming,” said Tocchet. “There are a few things in getting used to the system and how we want things done. Last game, he was close to the puck and stopping in piles and just closer to people. That’s when he’s at his best.

“And when he has a chance, he can just go and take off. The thing is information and talking to Jake every day to give him something — but you don’t want to overload guys. You hear inconsistent a lot and it’s my job to make him consistent.”

For DeBrusk, a second-round playoff loss to eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers spelled the end of his time in Boston, even though he did his part.

“I didn’t want to believe it. But when we lost, I knew it was over,” DeBrusk said Monday. “It hurt. I didn’t think they (Bruins) would do anything different with me and they didn’t. And then your move on.

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“But it’s also an exciting second chapter for my career. I feel like I made the right decision. I hope I get a couple (of goals) tomorrow. I’m not going to lie.”

The history: First meeting of the season. The Canucks split two games in 2023-24. They were blanked 4-0 in Boston on Feb. 8 as Danton Heinen was among the scorers. The Canucks went 0-for-3 on the power play and were held to just 17 shots on goalie Linus Ullmark. On Feb. 24 at home, Boeser’s second goal gave the Canucks a 3-2 overtime win. J.T. Miller had three assists, eight hits.

The hope: It’s not one and done for forward Max Sasson. Tocchet said Sasson, who had an assist in his first NHL game on Saturday in Ottawa, will come out of the lineup to make room for Boeser. “He doesn’t really deserve to come out and I thought he played a really good game, but the message to him is he could go back in the next game against Pittsburgh. Stick with it.”

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The fear: Losing discipline against former teammates Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm. A penalty kill that’s so good on the road with 22-for-27 efficiency provides the Bruins’ last-place power play with some life.

The top guns: A resurgent Elias Pettersson has 10 points (4-6) in his last seven games. Kiefer Sherwood has five points (3-2) in his last five games and has scored in three straight.

The wounded: Canucks: Thatcher Demko (knee, IR), Derek Forbort (knee, IR), J.T Miller (leave of absence, IR). Bruins: Hampus Lindholm (lower body, IR).

The quote: “We did a good job of managing the puck and played a smart game and a really terrific game.” — Rick Tocchet after 4-3 in Ottawa on Saturday.

The projected lineup: 

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DeBrusk-Pettersson-Sherwood

Joshua-Suter-Garland

Heinen-Blueger-Boeser

Hoglander-Raty-Bains

Hughes-Hronek

Soucy-Myers

Brannstrom-Juulsen

Lankinen

The prediction: The Canucks take advantage of the Bruins in transition with new interim coach after Jim Montgomery was fired and hired Sunday by St. Louis. Boston is lowest scoring team. Canucks win 3-2.

(FAN FORUM: Do you have a specific question for a player? Pass it along to @provincesports and we’ll get it in a future edition.)

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