Bruins head coach Marco Sturm sent Mason Lohrei a message ahead of his return to the lineup
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
Last night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bruins defenseman Mason Lohrei officially made his return to the lineup, appearing in his first game since October 27th.
In the previous five games, Lohrei was healthy scratched by Marco Sturm, but he did travel with the Bruins to Toronto and played on Saturday night.
Charlie McAvoy stepped away from the Bruins and didn't travel with the team to Toronto due to a personal matter.
Because of this, it opened up a roster spot for Lohrei to return to the ice, and ahead of the game, Bruins head coach Marco Sturm sent him a clear message.
Sturm sends Lohrei a message ahead of his return
«This is his opportunity now to come in. It took a little bit longer than expected, but for him - he knows - I just want him to defend well and play simple,» Sturm said pregame on Saturday about Lohrei. «That is all he has to worry about. You have to remember, he is still very young. He is kind of processing the whole thing as well. For us and for me as a coach, got to help him and got to guide him.»
Before returning back to the lineup, Lohrei had one goal and five assists for 6 points in 11 games but ended up adding two assists in his return, bringing him up to 8 points in 12 games.
Even though the Bruins were without both McAvoy and Casey Mittelstadt, who missed due to an injury, Sturm was still confident in his team.
«It is going to be a challenging night for us, especially with a few guys out,» Sturm said. «But I am very confident, the way we play right now, that we can hang in there. It is definitely going to be a big one, for sure.»
The Bruins ended up winning the game, extending their winning streak to six games, even while being short handed.
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