We’re just a few hours before the puck drops in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals, and we still don’t know the status of Bruins’ defensemen Zdeno Chara and Matt Grzelcyk. Both players took part in the team’s morning skate, but they are considered game-time decisions by Bruce Cassidy. The loss of both would be massive for the Bruins’ chances, so they are hoping at least one of the two can play.
Both Zdeno Chara and Matt Grzelcyk participated in a morning skate for the Boston Bruins Thursday. Each will be a game-time decision, though, for Game 5. https://t.co/xm2iJsBRIm
— masslivenews (@masslivenews) June 6, 2019
Hockey players are a different breed. Chara is trying to play even though his jaw has been wired shut, and he gave written responses to reporters’ questions on Thursday. He was unable to play the final 37 minutes of Game 4 after being hit in the mouth by a puck, so it would be remarkable if he could play after just two days off. As for Grzelcyk, he has been in the concussion protocol since being hit in the head in Game 2, so he must be cleared by doctors before taking the ice.
Bortuzzo in for Edmundson tonight. Berube says they took Bortuzzo out to put Dunn in, and now they want a righty-lefty combo with Dunn-Bortuzzo. #stlblues
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) June 6, 2019
The St. Louis Blues have decided to make a change along their back line for Game 5. Robert Bortuzzo will replace Joel Edmundson on defense after Edmundson was not very effective in Game 4. Bortuzzo has been rotated in and out of the lineup throughout the postseason, so he is familiar with his role tonight.
SIGNING UPDATE: The Dallas Stars have signed D Roman Polak to a one-year, $1.75M contract extension…
Check out the details of all the signings on our FA signing tracker: https://t.co/JGzYiodt23 #TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/HIucf6Huoa
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) June 6, 2019
Around the NHL, the Dallas Stars have come to terms with Roman Polak. The Stars signed the veteran defenseman to a one-year contract extension earlier today, and he is entering his 13th season in the NHL.
Kris Letang sees the need for changes in Pittsburgh, just not radical ones. @MrSeanGordon spoke to Letang about trade rumors, anger and disappointment: https://t.co/w4qlK4PvUj
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) June 5, 2019
Kris Letang doesn’t want to see the core of the Pittsburgh Penguins split apart, but the Penguins are going to have to make some moves this offseason. The team has too many burdensome contracts on the books, so they are going to have to deal some players to get under the cap.
Top Stories
- Zdeno Chara, Matt Grzelcyk injury update: Boston Bruins D are game-time decisions for Stanley Cup Final Game 5 | Mass Live
- Blues notebook: Bortuzzo looks to be back in lineup for Game 5 | St. Louis Post Dispatch
- Stars sign D Polak to one-year deal | TSN
- Letang hoping Penguins stay intact: report | NHL
