The Boston Bruins are set to host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, and defenseman Andrew Peeke will draw back into the lineup.
Peeke will play for the first time since the Olympic break when he replaces Henri Jokiharju on the third pair alongside Nikita Zadorov. Ahead of his return to the lineup, Bruins head coach Marco Sturm sent a message to the 27-year-old defenseman.
“I actually can’t wait to see him, just because it’s his first time in a long time that he had to sit out. I just want to see a response,” Sturm said pregame on Tuesday. “It’s not like he played terrible, we just needed a little bit more. And now it’s his chance again.”
Sturm is hoping Peeke plays better than he has and proves why he should be an everyday player in the Bruins' lineup.
Peeke, meanwhile, is excited to draw back into the lineup and prove he can be an effective player for Boston.
“Excited to get back in,” Peeke said. “Help the guys, contribute any way I can. Obviously, it’s a fun time right now here in Boston. Just looking to provide the value I believe I can add to the lineup.”
Peeke has skated in 56 games, recording four goals and eight assists for 12 points this season.
Boston enters play on Tuesday with a record of 33-21-5 and is holding onto the final Wild Card spot.
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