Boston Bruins Face Setback as Hampus Lindholm Faces Weeks on the Sidelines Due to Injury
In a disappointing turn of events for the Boston Bruins, defenseman Hampus Lindholm is expected to be out for several weeks following a lower-body injury sustained during a recent game against the St. Louis Blues. The injury occurred in the first period when Lindholm was struck above the left knee by a shot from Justin Faulk. He did not return to the ice for the remainder of the game, prompting an announcement from Head Coach Jim Montgomery on Wednesday that recovery will take weeks.
Lindholm, 30, has been a standout player for the Bruins during a challenging start to the season, helping to anchor the team’s defense while contributing offensively with three goals and seven points in 16 games. He was averaging 21:39 minutes of ice time and was elevated to the top power-play unit shortly before his injury. Montgomery praised Lindholm’s increased assertiveness and his shot-first mentality that had become vital for the struggling Bruins, who currently sit at a lackluster 8-7-2 record.
Now facing a shortfall in their defensive lineup, the Bruins have called up veteran blueliner Jordan Oesterle from the Providence Bruins to fill Lindholm’s void. Oesterle, who has played over 370 NHL games, is expected to make his debut in an upcoming road game against the Dallas Stars. The team, already dealing with Andrew Peeke’s upper-body injury, must quickly adapt as they look to bolster a power play that ranks last in the NHL with an 11.8% success rate.
Fans and teammates alike will feel the absence of Lindholm as the Bruins navigate the challenges ahead without their premier defenseman.
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Photo credit www.boston.com
