It was just confirmed for Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak

The Bruins confirmed the winger will miss his fifth straight game, keeping a major piece of their offense out of the lineup.

Pastrnak has been skating for a couple of days now, which signals slow but real movement toward a return.

He worked again this morning with skating and skills coach John McLean, something insiders view as a meaningful checkpoint.

Boston has leaned on balanced scoring in his absence, with Casey Mittelstadt and Pavel Zacha absorbing heavier creation duties.

The power play, usually driven by Pastrnak's one-timer threat, has generated chances but still lacks its usual sharpness.

Head coach Marco Sturm keeps stressing patience as the medical team decides when contact drills become realistic. For now, Pastrnak builds conditioning while the Bruins navigate a demanding stretch of games.

Fluto Shinzawa confirmed Pastrnak's absence as well when he released tonight's official lines.

Fans felt encouraged watching Pastrnak return to the ice multiple mornings this week, even in limited form. Skating is the first real sign that his recovery is trending in the right direction, and the Bruins desperately miss his 40-goal pace.

Pastrnak's 29 points in 25 games before the injury still rank near the top of the team, showcasing exactly what Boston must replace.

The Devils bring speed and an aggressive forecheck, putting pressure on Boston's transition game. That is usually where Pastrnak's burst tilts momentum, so the Bruins will again need clean puck support and quick decisions.