The Boston Bruins announced forward Jake Debrusk is out due to NHL COVID-19 protocol.
UPDATE: Jake DeBrusk (COVID-19 protocols) will not play in today’s game. #NHLBruins
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 13, 2021
Bruins’ DeDrusk Headed To COVID-19 Protocol
It is unknown if DeBrusk is out due to contact, or a positive test. He will miss today’s game vs the New York Rangers.
Jake has struggled this season with just two goals and six points in 18 games. He found himself in Coach Bruce Cassidy‘s doghouse and was a healthy scratch two games ago. A quick bounce back with a goal in Thursday’s game against the Rangers was a feel-good moment.
A new two-year $7.35 million contract signed in the offseason has big things expected of DeBrusk this season. The expectations are for him to play alongside David Krejci on the left-wing and improve off his previous seasons. Just 24 years old, he has scored 62 goals with the Bruins over the previous three seasons. This season he has most often been relegated to the third line as Nick Ritchie has taken over the second-line left wing spot for Boston.
Frustration is Boiling Over
DeBrusk’s struggles are getting media attention, not only in Boston but around the NHL. He has risen up on “trade bait” lists across the hockey world.
In an interview Friday, Jake DeBrusk commented, “Feels like everyone thinks I’m done around here. I’m an easy target and it’s warranted but of course, I take it personally. It stinks!”
This latest setback will only add to his frustration, coming off his best game of the season. Anders Bjork is expected to replace DeBrusk in the lineup in the short term. Greg McKegg was also called up from Providence earlier today.
Boston sits fourth in the East Division and can ill afford a setback. Defencemen Jeremey Lauzon, Kevan Miller, and Brandon Carlo are all injured. Tuukka Rask has also been sidelined the last two games, as the Bruins injury report lengthens.
Boston will travel to play two games vs the Pittsburgh Penguins after this afternoon’s tilt with New York. Pittsburgh sits third in the East, one point ahead of the Bruins, so it will be a pivotal series approaching the halfway point to the season.
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