Sure, the Boston Bruins were without three of their top defensemen – Charlie McAvoy (wrist), Hampus Lindholm (knee) and Brandon Carlo (ill) – but Boston’s overall defense was terrible during a 7-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo,

Here is how former Vancouver Canucks blueliner Nikita Zadorov is doing with the Boston Bruins so far this year.

The current playoff odds don't favor the Bruins. But even with Boston looking at an arduous road, they're embracing the challenge.

The defensemen have been counted on a lot this season, with Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy both sidelined.

Remains unavailable

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy is still recovering from an undisclosed injury with no set return date.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (upper body) will miss a third consecutive game on Monday against San Jose. He continues to nurse an upper-body injury, and it's unclear when Boston will get him back.

Bruins winger Nikita Zadorov explained the difference between playing in Vancouver and playing in Boston after signing an extension.