The Bruins are still winning; following their triumph over the Blue Jackets on Tuesday, they took the top spot in the NHL standings.
With a 4-1 victory over Columbus after the NHL Christmas break, Boston continued its perfect record of 4-0-0. In the meantime, Pittsburgh’s 5-0-1 run was snapped on Tuesday with a 4-3 loss to Washington.
Although not quite yet, Bruins coach Jim Montgomery will need to make some decisions about the starting lineup this week. Montgomery stated that Matt Poitras won’t be available on Thursday. Poitras is scheduled to return to Boston following Team Canada’s elimination from the World Junior Championship. The Bruins summoned up Georgii Merkulov, who has appeared in three varsity games, from AHL Providence to fill in for Poitras.
Notes: James van Riemsdyk, a forward with the Bruins, became the newest star of Boston’s recent run of success with a three-point play against Columbus. After being left out of Boston’s 5-3 victory over Detroit on Sunday, Van Riemsdyk immediately impressed the Blue Jackets alongside new linemates Trent Frederic and Danton Heinen. All three of Boston’s goals were scored by them. … Defenseman Mason Lohrei, who needed sutures after being struck by a puck in the mouth on Tuesday, should be available against Pittsburgh. … Bryan Rust, a forward with the Penguins, made his comeback on Tuesday after missing time due to an upper-body injury on December 6. … The Pittsburgh defenseman Ryan Shea was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and John Ludvig (upper body) was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.