Bruins' Hampus Lindholm out Friday vs. Lightning with lower-body injury

The Boston Bruins began Friday already knowing that forward David Pastrnak wouldn't be available for the evening's pivotal matchup at the Tampa Bay Lightning as those two clubs battle for position in the Atlantic Division standings. 

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy delivered more bad news for fans ahead of the weekend. 

Per the NHL's website, Boston defenseman Hampus Lindholm also won't play in Friday's game because of what's officially being called a lower-body injury. According to CBS Boston, Lindholm suffered what appeared to be a setback related to his left leg in the second period of Tuesday's 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings when he collided with Detroit's Pius Suter. Lindholm didn't return to the ice for that contest and also didn't participate in Thursday’s practice or Friday’s morning skate. 

Boston next plays at the Washington Capitals on Sunday afternoon. 

"Hopefully [Lindholm] gets on the ice tomorrow," Cassidy explained. "'Pasta' didn't skate. I would say, Lindholm is probably a little ahead of Pasta in terms of who will play next but certainly neither tonight."

Pastrnak reportedly aggravated a previous core injury during Monday's 3-2 overtime win over the Columbus Blue Jackets and hasn't played since. 

As noted by ESPN stats, Pastrnak leads the Bruins with 38 goals and shares the team lead with 71 points recorded across 69 games this season. Lindholm has tallied four assists in seven contests since joining the Bruins via a trade from the Anaheim Ducks last month. 

Boston and Tampa Bay are tied for third in the Atlantic Division standings with 93 points, five points back of the second-place Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bruins and Lightning essentially already possess playoff berths.