Craig Smith Won't Play In Bruins-Islanders Game 2
BOSTON (CBS) -- Craig Smith was not on the ice for the Bruins' morning skate, and he won't be on the ice for Monday night's Game 2 against the New York Islanders. The second-line forward has been ruled out for the game after suffering a lower-body injury in Game 1 on Saturday night.
"He won't play tonight," head coach Bruce Cassidy said after Monday's morning skate. "Game 3 is Thursday so it gives him an extra day between, which is good. We'll list him day-to-day and see how it goes."
Smith had to leave Boston's Game 1 victory when he bumped legs with New York defenseman Cal Clutterbuck. He received treatment on Sunday morning, but didn't improve enough to return to the ice on Monday.
With Smith unable to participate, Jake DeBrusk skated alongside David Krejci and Taylor Hall on Monday morning. He'll slot into Boston's second line in Game 2, while Karson Kuhlman be reinserted into the lineup and skate on the right side of Nick Ritchie and Charlie Coyle on Boston's third line.
Losing Smith is a pretty big deal for the Bruins, as he had flourished on the second line since Taylor Hall joined Boston at the NHL trade deadline. Smith tallied six goals and dished out 10 assists over a 22-game span since Hall's arrival, with 13 goals and 19 assists overall during the regular season. He had a goal and two assists so far in the playoffs.
Smith's lone postseason goal was Boston's double overtime game-winner in Game 3 of the first round against the Washington Capitals.
DeBrusk has two goals this postseason, both of which came in Boston's first two games against the Capitals. He played just 13:21 in Game 1 against the Islanders.