Bruins Recall Poitras, McAvoy Out as Boston Faces Tampa Bay

BOSTON – The Boston Bruins are set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden on Tuesday night, marking their second matchup in six days. The Bruins are coming off an overtime victory against the Florida Panthers on Saturday, a game that interim head coach Joe Sacco described as not their best performance but a crucial win. “We won a game against Florida, and that was the most important thing,” Sacco said during Tuesday’s morning skate at Warrior Ice Arena.

The Bruins are looking to build momentum from their recent win, despite a 4-1 loss to the Lightning last Thursday in Tampa. Sacco emphasized the importance of intensity in the upcoming game. “We have a good rivalry against these guys, and I would expect that this game would be a game where the level of intensity should be cranked up even more here tonight,” he said.

Among the roster changes announced Tuesday morning, the Bruins recalled 20-year-old forward Matt Poitras from the Providence Bruins. Poitras, who was sent to the AHL in early November, recorded 20 points in 23 games, including a seven-game goal streak in mid-December. “I just feel more comfortable as a player than when I went down,” Poitras said. “I just feel better overall being on the ice, just found the love for the game again.”

Poitras is expected to play center against the Lightning, with Sacco highlighting his ability to create offense through the middle of the ice. “We need his ability to carry the puck through the middle of the ice, that’s one of his strengths,” Sacco said. “We’re gonna give him the opportunity to do that.”

The Bruins will be without defenseman Charlie McAvoy and forward Mark Kastelic due to illness, while forward Charlie Coyle remains a game-time decision. Vinni Lettieri was also called up to fill the roster gaps. Jeremy Swayman is expected to start in net for Boston.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with coverage available on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub. The Bruins, currently 21-19-5, are looking to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference against a strong Tampa Bay team, which holds a 23-15-3 record.