Bruins Player Sends Strong Message After Five Consecutive DNPs

According to The Athletic's Fluto Shinzawa, when asked about those comments and whether or not he was angry at his situation, Lohrei left no doubt, simply saying, "Yeah."

The former top-pair partner of Charlie McAvoy acknowledged his own play hadn’t been good enough. Defensive zone coverage and puck decisions had been consistent issues.

“Just be more consistent,” Lohrei said. “Be firmer, better decisions, play with more confidence.”

On Saturday, McAvoy's absence for personal reasons opened the door for Lohrei's return, and he made the most of the opportunity to regain Sturm's trust.

“Getting ready for the game, I was pretty excited just to be back and playing again,” Lohrei said.

Sturm, meanwhile, emphasized the need for Lohrei to keep things simple and focus on defending if he wants to make it back to the lineup on a game-to-game basis.

“This is an opportunity now to come in,” Sturm said before the game. “Took a little bit longer than expected. He knows. First of all, I just want him to defend well and play simple.”

Lohrei, who signed a two-year, $6.4 million extension in June, implied he didn't like the time away.

“I’m a hockey player,” Lohrei said. “I want to play.”

The Bruins improved to 10–7–0 with the win and have the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference. They’ll host the Maple Leafs again on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.