The Boston Bruins are facing a significant challenge as center Elias Lindholm is set to miss "at least a few weeks" due to a lower-body injury. The injury occurred after a collision with Buffalo Sabres' Jordan Greenway during their 4-3 overtime victory on Thursday. Lindholm, who has been a key player on the Bruins' top line, has tallied nine points (four goals, five assists) in 13 games this season. His absence will test the team's depth and require strategic adjustments to maintain their competitiveness.

Here's how the Bruins can navigate this setback:

1. Rely on Marat Khusnutdinov: In Lindholm's absence, Marat Khusnutdinov is expected to center the top line. Khusnutdinov, in his first full season with the Bruins, scored the overtime winner against the Sabres. Coach Marco Sturm has already placed Khusnutdinov on the first line with David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie. Khusnutdinov's speed and forechecking abilities could create scoring opportunities for his linemates.

2. Line Shuffling and Adjustments: With Khusnutdinov moving up, other players will need to step up. One option is to move Fraser Minten up the lineup or shift Casey Mittelstadt, who has experience at center, into the middle. The Bruins have been experimenting with different line combinations, and Lindholm's injury will force further adjustments. Recent practice lines have seen Michael Eyssimont reunited on the third line with Tanner Jeannot and Minten.

3. Capitalize on Depth Scoring: The Bruins need to find offense beyond their top line. Players like Pavel Zacha and Viktor Arvidsson, who are projected for the second line, need to increase their production. The Bruins have had 15 different goalscorers this season, indicating a potential for depth scoring.

4. Special Teams Performance: With Lindholm, a key penalty killer, out of the lineup, the Bruins will need other players to step up on special teams. New additions like Mikey Eyssimont, Tanner Jeannot, and Sean Kuraly could be incorporated into the penalty kill. The power play, which will also have a new architect in assistant coach Steve Spott, needs to improve.

5. Defensive Stability: The Bruins are also dealing with injuries on theblue line, as Jordan Harris is out for two months with an ankle fracture. The team needs Hampus Lindholm to remain healthy and play a significant role. Lindholm's return from injury is timely, but the Bruins need other defensemen like Charlie McAvoy, Nikita Zadorov, and Mason Lohrei to step up.

6. Jeremy Swayman's Performance: Goaltender Jeremy Swayman needs to be a stabilizing force. After a tough 2024-25 season, Swayman needs to return to his earlier form to help the Bruins remain competitive.

The Bruins have a challenging road ahead without Lindholm. However, by strategically utilizing their depth, making necessary line adjustments, and getting strong performances from key players, they can weather this injury and remain competitive in the Atlantic Division. The team's ability to adapt and find secondary scoring will be crucial in navigating this period.