Tuukka Rask Impressed With Bruins Defensemen In Charlie McAvoy’s Absence

BOSTON — The Bruins’ 5-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final was highlighted by a four-goal third. But maybe taking a little bit of backseat to the third-period onslaught was the play of Boston’s defensive unit. With Charlie McAvoy suspended for Game 1 of the collection, that left a fairly obtrusive gap on Boston’s prime pairing. But Connor Clifton did an admirable job in a minutes bump and Steven Kampfer made essentially the most of his evening, scoring the sport’s first objective. All of that got here to no shock to Tuukka Rask. “Yeah, it’s awesome,” Rask stated of the defensemen stepping up with McAvoy out. “I’m not stunned at

Tuukka Rask’s Leave Of Absence Ends As Goalie Returns To Bruins Practice

Tuukka Rask’s Leave Of Absence Ends As Goalie Returns To Bruins Practice

It appears Tuukka Rask’s leave of absence is over, and now we wait for more answers. The Boston Bruins goalie was on the ice for the team’s practice Tuesday morning, according to reporters in attendance. It’s Rask’s first appearance with the team since being granted a leave of absence for personal reasons on Friday. The nature of those personal reasons is still unclear, and perhaps Rask will speak with the media after Bruins practice. The B’s are going on a four-game road trip which begins Wednesday night in Colorado, and it’s still unclear whether Rask will make the trip with the team. However, goalie Dan Vladar, who was recalled on a... NESN.com

Patriots’ Jacob Hollister Could See His Role Increase In Rob Gronkowski’s Absence

Patriots’ Jacob Hollister Could See His Role Increase In Rob Gronkowski’s Absence

The New England Patriots’ depth at tight end will be thin for Monday night’s showdown with the rival Miami Dolphins. Rob Gronkowski is suspended and Martellus Bennett is out for the season with an injury, so it likely will be veteran Dwayne Allen and fourth-string tight end Jacob Hollister getting most of the action at the position against the Dolphins. For more on Hollister, check out the “NESN Sports Today” video above, presented by People’s United Bank. ... NESN.com

NBA Rumors: Steve Kerr Could Return To Coach Warriors In NBA Finals

Share this: The Golden State Warriors could have a familiar face return to their sideline for Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Sources tell ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that Steve Kerr could return from his leave of absence amid health concerns to coach the Warriors on Thursday night. Kerr has discussed the possibility of returning with Mike Brown, who’s coached Golden State in his absence. And Brown is encouraging the move. “He’s talked about possibly coaching Game 1,” Brown told ESPN’s Michael Wilbon. “And I even tried to tell him, ‘Steve, you should do it … and if you don’t feel like you’re OK, half through the game, just go back in the back.” Kerr has been out of action since Game

Cavaliers GM David Griffin Expects Kevin Love To Return On Road Trip

Share this: Reinforcements reportedly are on the way for the Cleveland Cavaliers. General manager David Griffin told The Associated Press that the team anticipates star forward Kevin Love will return during the Cavaliers’ road trip that begins Saturday. Love has been out since Feb. 14 when he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The defending champion Cavaliers have struggled in Love’s absence. They have gone 7-6 in the 13 games since his injury and have struggled to rebound and defend the paint. The 28-year-old forward is having his best season since joining the Cavaliers before the 2014-15 campaign. He is averaging 20 points and 11.1 rebounds per game, so his presence should be a huge boost to the defending champions. In Love’s absence, the Cavaliers signed

Red Sox Have Options At Shortstop In Xander Bogaerts’ Absence

Red Sox Have Options At Shortstop In Xander Bogaerts’ Absence

Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts played his final spring training game Monday, going 2-for-3 against the St. Louis Cardinals. Bogaerts will depart for Seoul, South Korea on Tuesday where he will meet up with Team Netherlands for the first round of the World Baseball Classic. In his absence, the Red Sox will look to give a few players time at shortstop, including Brock Holt and Marco Hernandez. Hear NESN’s Steve Lyons break down the team’s shortstop options in the video from “NESN Sports Today,” presented by People’s United Bank, above. ... NESN.com

Roger Goodell’s Absence In New England Since Deflategate Will Continue

Share this: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell seems to be avoiding New England. He hasn’t visited Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., since the Deflategate scandal became a huge issue after the AFC Championship Game in 2015. His absence continues this weekend when he visits the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the NFC Championship Game instead of coming to New England for the AFC Championship Game between the Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers. Check out Matt Chatham’s reaction to Goodell’s decision in the “NESN Sports Today” video above, presented by People’s United Bank. More Stories Source link