Bruins' next 2 games postponed after 4 players enter COVID-19 protocol

The NHL is postponing the Boston Bruins' next two games after four additional players from the club entered the COVID-19 protocol Friday, the league announced.

David Pastrnak, David Krejci, Jake DeBrusk, and Craig Smith were all added to the COVID-19 protocol list Friday, joining Sean Kuraly, who was added Thursday. The Bruins traveled back to Boston on Friday and are expected to quarantine through Tuesday.

The Bruins' matchups against the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively, have been postponed.

Boston canceled its morning skate Thursday after Kuraly entered the protocol. However, the team played its game against the Sabres later that day after further contact tracing and testing.

Pending results in the coming days, the league anticipates the Bruins will be able to reopen their facilities and resume practicing March 24.