Bruins Lose Two Defensemen

The Boston Bruins have announced that defensemen Connor Clifton and Derek Forbort have entered COVID-19 protocol. 

COVID-19 cases are continuing to appear for the Bruins. Besides these two defensemen, forwards Jake DeBrusk and Tomas Nosek are also currently sidelined because of it. Before the holiday break, a major portion of the roster also was in protocol, too. 

In 22 games this season, Clifton has a goal and an assist. The 26-year-old has primarily played bottom-pair minutes, much like last season. He initially lost his spot to Jakub Zboril, but the latter sustained an ACL tear and is done for the season. Thus, losing Clifton does create another hole when it comes to the right side of their defense. 

Forbort is a notable loss to the back end, as the 29-year-old has been a mainstay in the top six. In fact, he even has spent a good amount of time as Charlie McAvoy's partner on the first pair. In 31 games this season, he has a career-high four goals to go along with three helpers. 

The Bruins have a decent chunk of defensive depth at their disposal, as Urho Vaakainen and John Moore filled in for them during Monday night's win against the Washington Capitals. Still, they certainly would rather have these other two in the lineup than not. 

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