Bruins Could Face Some Early Adversity With Illness Outbreak

Bruins Face Adversity With Illness Outbreak

The 2022–23 regular season saw the Boston Bruins cruise to an NHL-best 65 victories and 135 points. But it looks like the team will face some adversity just hours before their playoff opener against the Florida Panthers.

According to head coach Jim Montgomery, Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman are suffering from an illness spreading throughout the locker room. Swayman is most likely out, while Ullmark is a game-time decision. 

Jim Montgomery says: “An illness is going around. Several players are sick.”

Given what made the Bruins truly outstanding this season was their goalie play, it’s a tad bit concerning. It is unknown what kind of illness it is, but it isn’t COVID-19—possibly a common bug. It’s also worth noting that their third-string goalie, Brandon Bussi, has never started an NHL game. (Called up from Providence last week)

An illness is going around, says Jim Montgomery. Several players are sick.

— Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) April 17, 2023

Patrice Bergeron’s Availability

Bruins fans should have a better idea of Bergeron’s availability as the B’s near their 7:30 p.m. ET Game 1 faceoff. He was forced to leave the Montreal Canadiens game early last week due to an upper-body injury.

Bergeron, the oldest player on the Bruins at 37 years old, played in all but four of the team’s 82 games while tallying 58 points on the strength of 27 goals (his most in three years) and 31 assists. He placed third in the team in terms of points, just behind Brad Marchand and fellow Boston mainstay David Pastrnak, who finished tied for first on the team in goals.

Bergeron is one of the few survivors from the team’s 2011 Stanley Cup victory and is frequently regarded as the team’s heart and soul. He continues to deliver when it counts, as evidenced by his seven game-winning goals this season (second only to Pastrnak).

Linus Ullmark’s Availability

Since starter Linus Ullmark left the team’s penultimate game of the season early last week due to an undisclosed injury, head coach Jim Montgomery may also be in a pickle in goal. Nevertheless, Montgomery emphasized several times last week that the action was “precautionary” and that Ullmark would be “fine.”