BOSTON — The Bruins made a relatively surprising lineup decision prior to Thursday’s matchup with the Dallas Stars, replacing Tyler Johnson with Patrick Brown.
It’s starting to make more sense, though.
Brown only lasted one game, as he was then swapped out for Georgii Merkulov prior to Saturday’s contest with the St. Louis Blue at TD Garden. Why all the moves? Johnson was away on personal leave.
“Tyler Johnson had to leave Dallas for family reasons, and we’re going to leave it at that,” Bruins head coach Jim Mongomery said prior to puck drop on Saturday. “He will be back at practice tomorrow.”
Merkulov is likely just a placeholder for Johnson, with the latter’s return expected to come against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday. Riley Tufte, who also returned to the lineup Saturday, could have a more permanent place if he proves more effective on the fourth line than John Beecher.
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