The Boston Bruins are approaching a pivotal Game 6 matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Boston leads the series 3-2; however, the team was hit with an untimely Danton Heinen update on Thursday.

Heinen will not be in the lineup for Game 6 in Toronto, The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa reports. The left winger is considered day-to-day and could return as early as Saturday if Game 7 is required. Heinen will be replaced in the lineup by John Beecher, while Justin Brazeau will take his spot on the second power play, per insight from CBS Sports.

Hopefully, Danton Heinen is okay and undergoes a speedy recovery from whatever ails him. His numbers have not been eye-popping, but he has been a serviceable presence for the Bruins during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 28-year-old has amassed one assist and one point in five postseason games.

John Beecher should be able to fill the void in Heinen’s absence. The center’s production is strikingly similar to Heinen’s. Beecher has scored one goal and one point in 4 games during the 2023-24 postseason. Perhaps his new change in role will spark a newfound effort.

The Bruins are on the brink of advancing to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a win against the Maple Leafs on Thursday. Boston had momentum from a 3-1 lead. Yet, Toronto responded with a 2-1 victory in Game 5 to force a Game 6. The Maple Leafs are missing the services of Auston Matthews, who remains out with a lingering illness.

Toronto is facing more pressure in a win-or-stay-at-home situation on Thursday without their star player. Nevertheless, Boston looks to put an end to the series to continue their aspirations for the Stanley Cup.

Bruins look to put Maple Leafs away in crucial Game 6

Head coach Jim Montgomery was not happy when Boston lost their crucial Game 5 matchup at home.

“I’m still pissed off from last night, to be honest,” the head coach said after Boston’s optional practice on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Kristen Shilton. “I don’t understand and don’t accept our play last night. I’m going to be pissed off until the puck drops [in Game 6].”

The Bruins had a tough time scoring against Leafs netminder Joseph Woll, who made 27 saves in the 2-1 victory. Nevertheless, Boston had a team meeting to review their performance and develop a plan going into Game 6.

“We wanted to review the game and where we went wrong,” Montgomery explained. “We started talking about where we need to get better. Some of that’s physical [and mental]. Some of it is staying in the moment. I don’t think we did a good enough job staying in the moment last night. That’s what we’re looking for [in our] next game.”

Boston needs to bring an intense desire to win on Thursday night. As Montgomery said, if they can stay in the moment, they can close the series out and prepare for the next round.

All in all, it will be interesting to see how the Bruins fare amid Danton Heinen’s absence in this crucial Game 6 matchup.