Rest or Rust: How should the Bruins handle their stars down the stretch?
The Boston Bruins have been riddled with injuries over the past few weeks, which delayed their clinching of a playoff spot until Saturday.
The Bruins have been without key players such as David Pastrnak since April 4th (6 games missed), Hampus Lindholm since April 5th (5 games), and Linus Ullmark since April 14th (1 game).
All three were still missing from practice this morning:
Boston was also without defensemen Brandon Carlo and Matt Grzelcyk, who missed just one game and both returned recently.
Now that the playoffs are a lock for the Bruins, how should head coach Bruce Cassidy handle his lineup? No matter who they play, Boston will have a tough matchup, whether it's Carolina, Toronto, Tampa Bay or Florida.
If guys like Pastrnak, Lindholm and Ullmark are still not one hundred percent, you give them as much time out of the lineup they need. But since Lindholm and Pastrnak have been out for five to six games, do you want them to play before the playoffs to shake off some of the rust they might have?
NHL players are obviously professionals and have been playing hockey their entire lives, so some of the decision is up to them.
Ultimately, Bruce Cassidy may have a tough choice whether to rest or get some of his more important players back into game shape.
Let us know what you think!:
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 18 | 96 ANSWERS Rest or Rust: How should the Bruins handle their stars down the stretch? Should some of the recent injured Bruins (Pasta, Lindholm, Ullmark) play again in the regular season if healthy? | ||
| Yes | 62 | 64.6 % |
| No | 34 | 35.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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