“They were certainly playing at a higher level right from the drop of the puck. They won the majority of races to pucks. they were quicker to pucks, won more one-on-one battles,” Bruins interim coach Joe Sacco said. “We pretty much got what we deserved tonight because of the way we played.

The injury sent Zadorov to the dressing room for virtually the remainder of the first period. His ankle stitched and wrapped, Zadorov did return to play until the period’s final shift and is expected to suit up for Thursday’s game at Madison Square Garden vs. the Rangers.

Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov argues after drawing an interference penalty after colliding with Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

The Bruins’ issues compounded. Knies sent the puck down the right-side wall just before Zadorov got in his face. Matthews carried his momentum deep into the Bruins’ end. Because of his speed and size, Matthews overwhelmed Charlie McAvoy on the end boards to win the 50-50 race.

Anthony Cirelli and Michael Eyssimont scored second-period goals as the host Tampa Bay Lightning beat Boston 4-1 on Thursday to extend the Bruins' season-worst losing streak to six games.

Brandon Hagel had a goal and an assist, and Ryan McDonagh and Nikita Kucherov each had two assists for the Lightning (22-25-2), who have won two straight. McDonagh passed 400 NHL points, and Brayden Point scored to reach 600 NHL points.

Moments ago in tonight's Oilers game against the Boston Bruins, goalie Stuart Skinner was forced out of the game with injury after a collision with Nikita Zadorov.

The game will mark the sixth NHL regular-season outdoor game for the Bruins and first Stadium Series appearance

Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov was moved up to the first pairing with Charlie McAvoy. This was after he spent the last game and the club's previous practice on the second pairing with Brandon Carlo. With Zadorov being moved to the first pairing, Parker Wotherspoon was Carlo's new partner on the second pairing.

Naturally, given this mix, Brown got the least ice time among Oilers blueliners at 11:49. His most notable moment came in the first period when he levelled Trent Frederic with a hip check along the boards by the Oilers bench. Brown was used on the penalty kill in the third when Ekholm was in the box.