The hits just keep coming for the Bruins, and their latest injury setback may be the biggest one yet.
The B’s announced Sunday afternoon that Chris Kelly has been placed on long-term injured reserve. Kelly will miss 4-6 weeks after suffering a fractured right fibula in the second period on Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite being injured in the second period, Kelly still played 4:32 in the third period on the broken bone.
It’s’ unclear when exactly the play happened, but Kelly did appear to take a slash from Pittsburgh forward Pascal Dupuis in the final minutes of the second period.
Kelly wasn’t the only Bruins player injured, as Loui Eriksson suffered a concussion and is out indefinitely. Shawn Thornton, who is awaiting discipline from the league for his attack of Brooks Orpik, is also out indefinitely.
That means the Bruins were forced to make roster moves in advance of Sunday’s game with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The B’s recalled Ryan Spooner and Matt Fraser from Providence, and they will be with the team Sunday night. The B’s also have Jordan Caron who had been scratched recently as the 13th forward who they can insert into the lineup.
The Bruins are also currently without defensemen Johnny Boychuk and Adam McQuaid, as they are out with injuries. Boychuk is out for 3-7 days with a back issue, while McQuaid was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury.
