The Bruins host the Jets on Thursday. Lindholm, who is currently on Long Term Injured Reserve has been out since suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues. McAvoy had been out since Jan. 11 with an undisclosed injury.

Boston Bruins left wing Cole Koepke (45) collides with Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in the crease during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes) AP

From the top down, there was nothing for the Boston Bruins to be proud of in their lifeless effort at KeyBank Center, where they lost 7-2 to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night.

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The lead lasted all of 55 seconds. The B’s top line got hemmed in its own end for much of the shift and, after it finally pushed it out of the zone, the players got caught in a change. On a Sabre 4-on-3, Matt Poitras got lost out high and Dylan Cozens connected with the wide-open trailer Thompson, who ripped a slapper past Swayman.

Lindholm remains on long-term injured reserve and will miss his 35th straight game against Buffalo on Tuesday. However, he is progressing toward a return. Lindholm has three goals, seven points, 35 shots on net and 17 blocked shots across 17 appearances this season.

This is exciting news for the Bruins, as Lindholm and McAvoy are two of their top defenders. Skating in regular jerseys is a major step in the right direction for the pair. However, they won't be back in the lineup just yet, as head coach Joe Sacco said they won't be options against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 28.

On defense, the Bruins will be even more shorthanded, however. Brandon Carlo will be out due to an illness. In addition, head coach Joe Sacco confirmed Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm will still be out of the lineup against the Sabres.

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Tage Thompson and JJ Peterka had hat tricks, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 26 saves as Buffalo rolled to a 7-2 win over Boston.

Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo (illness) is a game-time decision for Tuesday's matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. Carlo is bothered by an illness and skipped the morning skate. The Bruins are already without Charlie McAvoy (upper body) and Hampus Lindholm (lower body),