Sure, the Boston Bruins were without three of their top defensemen – Charlie McAvoy (wrist), Hampus Lindholm (knee) and Brandon Carlo (ill) – but Boston’s overall defense was terrible during a 7-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo,

Here is how former Vancouver Canucks blueliner Nikita Zadorov is doing with the Boston Bruins so far this year.

The defensemen have been counted on a lot this season, with Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy both sidelined.

The current playoff odds don't favor the Bruins. But even with Boston looking at an arduous road, they're embracing the challenge.

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Bruins winger Nikita Zadorov explained the difference between playing in Vancouver and playing in Boston after signing an extension.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (upper body) will miss a third consecutive game on Monday against San Jose. He continues to nurse an upper-body injury, and it's unclear when Boston will get him back.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is still recovering from an undisclosed injury with no set return date.

Lindholm has been a 22-point flop. He is signed for six more seasons with no-move protection through 2029. Lindholm, 30, is practically untradeable, even if the Bruins eat part of his remaining salary.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Boston Bruins center Charlie Coyle (13) celebrates with defenseman Nikita Zadorov (91) after scoring in the ...

Boston Bruins left wing Cole Koepke (45) collides with Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the crease during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) AP

The Penguins played Matt Grzelcyk on PP1 once again, finishing with 4:09 PP TOI compared to Erik Karlsson's 0:55 in their recent game.