The Bruins received some more bad news on the injury front today as Forward David Krejci has been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as swine flu. The Bruins plan to quarantine him from the team for the next 24 hours and see how he responds to treatment. Hopefully for the team, this will just be an isolated case and none of the players or staff were exposed. Krejci, who has just five points in 14 games, is believed to be the fifth player in the NHL to have contracted the virus. It is interesting to note that the Bruins team have not received the H1N1 vaccination.
The negative news has been compounding for the B's this season and will face a tough task tonight when they face the always dangerous Montreal Canadiens. The team will look for its youngsters to continue to step up in the absence of their more noted players.
It's not all bad news for the team today, as the Bruins have announced the signing of rising backup goaltender Tuukka Rask to a two-year extension through the 2012 season. Rask, who is 2-1-1 on the season, has given up 2.41 goals per game and has a .915 save percentage. The 22-year old Rask will provide insurance to veteran 35-year old starter Tim Thomas who is signed through 2013.
NOTES:
- Tim Thomas will get the nod in net tonight against the rival Canadiens.
- Byron Bitz (groin) will miss another game tonight. Bitz is Krejci's roommate on the road and (thankfully) reported no symptoms of swine flu.
- Vladimir Sobotka will replace Krejci on the second line with Blake Wheeler and Michael Ryder.
- Mikko Lehtonen was called up from Providence and the rookie will skate with the fourth line.
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