Bruins defenseman Hamilton out indefinitely

Tuesday, 03.24.2015 / 4:47 PM NHL.com

Boston Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton is out indefinitely because of an unspecified injury and will be evaluated in a few days, coach Claude Julien told the Bruins website Tuesday.

Hamilton may have sustained a shoulder injury during the Bruins' shootout loss to the Florida Panthers on Saturday, according to Comcast SportsNet New England. Hamilton left that game in the second period after a hit against the boards by Scottie Upshall and Nick Bjugstad.

The Bruins shuffled their defensive pairings at practice Tuesday, according to the Boston Globe. Adam McQuaid moved into the top pair with Zdeno Chara. Zach Trotman, recalled from Providence of the American Hockey League on Sunday, skated with Matt Bartkowski.

"That's what we've had to do all year, is we've had to step up with a number of injuries," Julien said. "And we've got to keep doing it."

Hamilton's 42 points leads Bruins defensemen and are second behind Patrice Bergeron's 51.

Forward David Krejci (knee) remains day-to-day after participating in battle drills during practice and could return Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks. Krejci has missed 15 games after he was injured Feb. 20 against the St. Louis Blues.

"It's about the team, and when I feel good enough and I feel I can help the team, then I'll be back," Krejci said. "Possibility for next game again."

Forward Daniel Paille also practiced Tuesday. He wore a full shield two days after taking a puck to the mouth during a loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Bruins trail the Ottawa Senators by a point for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference.

"You're at the stage right row where you have to worry about what you've got to do here in these next nine games, and that's where your focus has to be," Julien said.

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