Sat Feb 22 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Bruins Return from Break Facing Injury Crisis, Playoff Push

**BOSTON** – The Boston Bruins are back in action after a two-week break, facing a crucial stretch run with injuries to key players and a playoff berth on the line. They host the Anaheim Ducks Saturday night at TD Garden, kicking off a 25-game sprint to the postseason.

The Bruins, currently one point outside a playoff spot, will be without top defensemen Charlie McAvoy (injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off) and Hampus Lindholm (out since mid-November with a lower-body injury). The team is also uncertain about the availability of defenseman Mason Lohrei, who is ill.

Interim head coach Joe Sacco emphasized the need for a collective effort to compensate for the absences. “Everybody needs to step up,” Sacco stated, highlighting the increased responsibility falling on veteran defensemen Brandon Carlo and Nikita Zadorov. Zadorov is expected to take on a larger role on the power play.

The Ducks, winners of their last three games, present a formidable opponent. They arrive in Boston for a three-game Eastern road trip, currently sitting 9 points behind a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Troy Terry leads the Ducks in scoring, with key contributions also expected from Frank Vatrano, Ryan Strome, Mason McTavish, and Alex Killorn. Goaltending duties are split between Lukas Dostal and John Gibson.

The game represents a critical test for the Bruins, who must overcome their injury woes and find a way to secure a playoff spot in the final stages of the regular season. Every game now becomes a playoff game for a Bruins team battling for a postseason return.

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