Matthew Poitras got recalled by the Boston Bruins, and Marco Sturm’s message was blunt, be yourself and fix the Elias Lindholm injury hole the right way.

Boston called Poitras up from Providence with Lindholm listed day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

With that, a move needed to happen and Poitras now has the chance to prove himself.

Sturm didn’t ask for highlights or hero stuff.

Sturm stated he wants Poitras playing up and down the ice and being really strong defensively.

He also pointed to Marat Khusnutdinov as the kind of linemate who can have Poitras’ back while he settles in.

Poitras is 21, drafted in 2022 in the second round by the Boston Bruins, and this is his first NHL game of the season.

Last year he played 33 NHL games and put up 1-10-11, showing flashes but also getting pushed around by the league’s pace.

This season in Providence, he’s posted 8-16-24 in 39 games, the kind of steady production that earns another look.

He said the confidence comes from simplifying, moving his feet, and letting the rest come after that.

That’s the exact kind of quote a coach loves, because it means the kid is listening.

Matthew Poitras is getting a real chance with the Bruins

Bruins fans have been begging for youth to get trusted minutes, and this is the moment where excitement meets nerves.

If Poitras plays clean in his own zone, he’ll stay, even if the points take a bit.

If he gets cute on the walls, Sturm will cut the leash fast.

This is also about timing.

Boston hosts the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, and it’s their final home game before the Olympic break, so the lineup needs to settle quickly.

Sturm’s message wasn’t complicated.

No pressure to be special, just play hockey.

Poitras has 66 career NHL games with 6-20-26, so this isn’t a debut, but it’s a test of growth.

And with Boston heading into a big Sunday outdoor game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they need center depth that doesn’t wobble.

If Poitras keeps it simple, this recall could turn into a real season chapter, not a cameo.

Poitras has shown some flash in the past, making the Bruins roster out of camp two years in a row. Tonight he has the chance to earn a roster spot once again.