- The Bruins could be without defenseman Matt Grzelcyk and winger James van Riemsdyk due to illness against the Canadiens on Thursday, head coach Jim Montgomery said (via Ty Anderson of 98.5 FM The Sports Hub). Grzelcyk has already been ruled out, while van Riemsdyk is a possibility. The latter’s absence at Wednesday’s practice necessitated the emergency recall of 2019 first-round pick John Beecher from AHL Providence for the second time in three days. Grzlecyk’s absence paves the way for Andrew Peeke, acquired Friday from the Blue Jackets for Jakub Zbořil and a 2027 third-round pick, to make his Boston debut on the third pairing alongside Parker Wotherspoon.