The Boston Bruins entered Friday’s game with the Buffalo Sabres a little banged up following their impressive win over the league-leading Washington Capitals before the holiday break.
Torey Krug found a spot on injured reserve with an upper-body injury following his collision with Caps winger Tom Wilson. Fellow defenseman Charlie McAvoy (undisclosed), while improving, also stayed at home leaving the Bruins without two of their top four blue-liners.
Bruce Cassidy’s squad, despite the notable absences to Krug and McAvoy, marched on. A pair of goals from Patrice Bergeron, an empty netter from Brandon Carlo, and a sound outing from Jaroslav Halak (26 saves) backstopped the Bruins to their second straight victory.