The Boston Bruins have summoned rookie defenseman Mason Lohrei from the Providence Bruins following head coach Jim Montgomery’s announcement that Andrew Peeke is sidelined week-to-week due to an undisclosed injury sustained in Game 2, according to Joe Haggerty of the Boston Sports Journal.
Peeke exited the game with seven minutes remaining in the second period after blocking a shot from Tyler Bertuzzi with his left hand and is not expected to travel with the team for Games 3 and 4 in Toronto.
While Lohrei has been recalled, Parker Wotherspoon is anticipated to assume a more prominent role in Peeke’s absence. Wotherspoon participated in half of Boston’s regular-season games, tallying eight assists and 31 points, boosting his career total to nine assists in 53 games. If selected to replace Peeke, the 26-year-old defenseman will make his Stanley Cup playoff debut.
Lohrei, offering depth for Boston, has notched four goals and 13 points in 41 NHL games this season, complemented by 16 points in 21 AHL appearances. The 23-year-old also gained playoff experience in three Calder Cup Playoff games last season.
He joins Wotherspoon and Derek Forbort as Boston’s additional defenders, with Forbort recently recalled from a conditioning stint. Forbort boasts the most experience among the trio, having played 496 regular-season games and 32 playoff games over nine NHL seasons.
These three players will vie for Peeke’s spot on the third defensive pair. Peeke logged 17 minutes of ice time in Game 1 and was limited to 10 minutes in Game 2 due to his injury.
Despite his lack of playoff points, Peeke impressed during Boston’s final 15 regular-season games and is viewed as a vital defender for the team. The Bruins face tough decisions in replacing him against a formidable Maple Leafs offense.
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