Practice Report: Elias Lindholm Feeling Confident as B’s Close Out Trip

DALLAS –– Elias Lindholm is looking like himself.

After dealing with a back injury for parts of last season, the Boston Bruins forward said this is the “first time in a long time that my body feels good.”​

And you can tell. Lindholm has seven points (three goals, four assists) through nine games, including three in the last two matchups.

The 31-year-old is producing on the first power-play unit and down the middle on the third line with James Hagens and Casey Mittelstadt. That combination remained the same during the B’s practice on Monday at American Airlines Center; they play the Dallas Stars on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.

“I mean, it’s huge. Just coming in and not asking for help from all the trainers, and actually focusing on stuff in the gym more than lying on the table and someone has to help you. It helps; obviously feeling better is nice and helps the confidence as well,” Lindholm said. “We all love the game, obviously. When you struggle a little bit with injuries, it’s not as fun, and you can’t play your game. It’s definitely more enjoyable [now].”

Lindholm is averaging 16:20 of ice time per night while displaying a strong two-way game, which has made his teammates better. For head coach Marco Sturm, that is what he is always expecting from the veteran.

“It definitely helps when you win, and you play good. There always has been a, I feel like, a target on his back since he signed here, maybe because of money. You can talk about him whatever you want, but I always saw him a little differently – more like he is doing right now,” Sturm said. “Not about points; just playing the right way. When you need him, he’s there. That’s why, long story short, it’s not really a surprise for me. He’s just doing his job, and I think maybe a few more people notice it now. But we know in the room, guys know, coaches know, we all know how important he is…It is nice to see him getting rewarded.”

The third line has combined for six points in the first three matchups of the Bruins’ four-game road trip. The trio’s chemistry has been growing since Sturm put them together just under two weeks ago.​

“James coming in as a young kid, still learning a lot, but I think he’s doing a good job. We try to be responsible both ways, and I think me and Casey try to help him as much as possible. I think it’s good for us and for him to play with each other,” Lindholm said. “They both see the ice really well, smart players, so it’s fun for me to play with them.”

Lindholm and the Bruins will look to collect two more points on Tuesday against the Stars before heading home.

“In general, that’s a big one because it’s the last game of your trip,” Sturm said. “It’s a veteran group over there; they’re playing some good hockey, so it is always a tough place in here. We better be ready to finish the trip in the right way.”

Pavel Zacha, who missed last game due to an upper-body injury, participated in practice and skated in a normal jersey in Dallas.

“You always have to see after practice, or not even after practice, even tomorrow when he wakes up and tomorrow’s morning skate,” Sturm said. “We will see; he will be a game-time decision. But I think he is definitely heading towards the right direction.”