What Matt Poitras Wants To Bring To Bruins After Providence Stint

Matt Poitras returned to Boston on Tuesday and hopes to show the Bruins how much he’s grown.

Poitras started the season in Boston, scoring one goal and recording three assists for four points. It was decided after 14 games that the 20-year-old needed more seasoning, which he got in Providence. The move proved to be beneficial for the young forward.

“I think it’s just get on the ice more and get that confidence back that I felt like I was playing with at the start of this year,” Poitras told reporters Tuesday, per a team-provided video. “I just went there, had fun and kind of let the rest of it figure itself out. Get the confidence back, get a lot of puck touches. I think that was very beneficial to me.”

Poitras scored eight goals and tallied 12 assists for 20 points in 23 games with Providence this season. The Canadian forward looks like the offensive threat Boston hoped he could be, and that feeling translated onto the ice.

“I just feel more comfortable as a player. I just feel better overall,” Poitras said. “Being on the ice, just kind of found the love for the game again. Makes you feel better when you’re on the ice every day.”

Poitras was called up after Charlie Coyle was ruled a game-time decision due to an illness. Interim head coach Joe Sacco confirmed Poitras would be in the lineup regardless of Coyle’s status. He’ll look to make an impression Tuesday when Boston takes on the Tampa Bay Lightning in a pivotal Atlantic Division matchup.

NESN’s full coverage of the contest begins at 6 p.m. ET.