Bruins Defenseman, Andrew Peeke, Out Week-to-Week with Finger Injury as Series Shifts to Toronto

Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke is out week-to-week with a finger injury sustained in Game 2 of their playoff series against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Peeke left the game in the second period after blocking a shot with his left hand and did not return as the Bruins fell 3-2, evening the series at 1-1 as it heads to Toronto for Games 3 and 4.

Peeke's absence is a major setback to the Bruins' efforts to slow down Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs' high-powered offense. Through the first two games, Peeke had been a key contributor on the penalty kill and matched up against the Leafs' bottom-six lines. "Peeke's physical, in-your-face style was essential for the Bruins, especially on the penalty kill," noted one summary of his impact.

With Peeke sidelined, the Bruins will need to turn to depth options to fill his spot in the lineup. Rookie Mason Lohrei has been recalled from the AHL's Providence Bruins, while Parker Wotherspoon is also a candidate to step in. Veteran Derek Forbort, who has been recovering from surgery, remains a possibility but his conditioning is still a concern after being out long-term.

Why this matters: Peeke's injury comes at a critical juncture in the series as it shifts to Toronto with the teams tied. His absence tests the Bruins' defensive depth and could swing momentum in the Maple Leafs' favor if Boston struggles to contain their offensive attack without the physical presence Peeke provides.

Head coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged the challenge of replacing Peeke, calling it a "tough blow," but expressed confidence in the team's options. "We have depth on defense," Montgomery said, pointing to Lohrei and Wotherspoon as potential fill-ins. Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday night in Toronto, where the Bruins will aim to rebound from the Game 2 loss and reassert control of the series, even without one of their key defensive cogs in the lineup.

Key Takeaways

• Bruins' Andrew Peeke is out week-to-week with a finger injury from Game 2 vs. Maple Leafs.
• Peeke's absence was a major setback, as he was key on the penalty kill and against Leafs' bottom-six.
• Bruins recall rookie Mason Lohrei, while Parker Wotherspoon and Derek Forbort are options to fill in.
• Peeke's injury comes at a critical time, as series shifts to Toronto tied 1-1.
• The bruins coach confident in team's defensive depth, but Peeke's physical presence will be missed.