NHL News: Bruins Get Large Boost To D-Corps Ahead of Game 3 With Maple Leafs

The Boston Bruins stumbled in Game Two of their first-round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs, losing 3-2 to head north of the border with the series tied at 1-1. They've decided to add a bit more size and mobility to the roster on the blueline in advance of Game Three, recalling 6'5" Mason Lohrei from Providence of the AHL to replace Andrew Peeke.

Bruins hold an optional practice this morning. Mason Lohrei is practicing with the team. #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/0sJFKqT20j

— Danielle DuBois (@DanielleDuBois) April 23, 2024

Lohrei played 41 games for the B's this season, and can provide another puck-mover in transition for Boston from the back end. 

The offensive-minded rookie has fit in quite well on the Bruins blueline this year, averaging just about 17 minutes of ice time per game, while recording 13 points and 63 blocked shots. With the P-Bruins in the AHL, he recorded an impressive 15 assists and 16 points in just 21 games, while posting an equally splendid plus/minus rating of +19.

The former second-round pick (2020 NHL Draft) hadn't played in a game for Boston since April 2nd, and went sent down just before the start of the series with Toronto on Saturday. His stay in Providence lasted less than 72 hours. 

Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke has now been labeled out week-to-week, while Derek Forbort is also dealing with injuries, leaving Lohrei some runway to play as soon as Game Three. The team is anxious to get the promising rearguard as much ice time as possible, thus his continued shuttling between Providence and Boston. He could see time this series on the second or third defense pairing.

 Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports