The injury created an opportunity for defenseman Mason Lohrei, who now will run the second power-play unit. It's a role Lohrei has filled in the past and Jim Montgomery said he's "very comfortable" with his second-year player.

"He's done it before and it's a situation where I think he's very comfortable when he's on the second unit," said the coach. "He's done really well there for us."

It's a natural fit for Lohrei, who possesses excellent offensive instincts and is among Boston's slickest and creative passers.

"That's a role I've been in a lot throughout my life, so I feel really comfortable up there and enjoy it," Lohrei said.

Being the lone defenseman on the attack, you must be offensively aggressive and cognizant that if there's a bobble, you've got to be prepared to high-tail it back and prevent a breakaway.

"You're definitely the last man back, so you've got to keep that in mind," said Lohrei. "But it's just about reading the situation and finding open ice and when you can strike, coming down and getting into the slot, but you've always got to be aware that if anything happens, you've got to get back."

Jordan Oesterle made his Bruins debut after being recalled from Providence Wednesday. The veteran defenseman played with Parker Wotherspoon.

Oesterle counts "breaking pucks out, [maintaining] tight gaps, being creative in the offensive zone" among his strengths.

"I've been in this situation and I'm comfortable with these guys from training camp," said Oesterle. "So, I'm just excited to get out there and play and just play to my strengths, play simple, and when stuff opens up, try to take advantage, but not try to do too much."

Oesterle had a strong summer, and his familiarity with the Bruins' defensive systems -- which are also run in Providence -- made him the logical choice to get the call.

"I ran this system last year, too, in Calgary, so it makes it a little bit easier," he said following a morning skate. "I've had some time to work on it and get used to it. It's a tough system if you're not used to it. So yeah, it's an easy transition."

Because Oesterle had 371 NHL games under his belt, Montgomery wasn't worried about nerves being a problem.

"He is a veteran player, he's played a lot of games in this league and has had success in the league," said the coach. "He knows our systems really well. He's been doing it down there, plus camp, and his hockey sense is going to allow him to move pucks and jump and present those opportunities offensively, and also kill plays defensively for us."

It was game No. 980 for Stars alternate captain Tyler Seguin, the first 203 of which he played with the Bruins after being their first-round pick in 2010.

A brash and cocky sniper when he entered the NHL, Seguin has developed into a reliable, two-way player who kills penalties yet still flashes remarkable offensive skill.

Perhaps his greatest growth, however, has come off the ice. From fresh-faced rookie to sage veteran and locker room leader.

"Maturity is a great word for it," said Stars coach Pete DeBoer. "And, you know, it didn't happen overnight. He's married now, he's settled down. He's comfortable in his position in the league. Within our group, I see a real mature guy that brings us a lot of leadership.

"I knew Tyler a little bit before, but I'm not sure maturity and leadership, when I got here, would've been words that I would use to describe him, at least from what I knew. But I have no problem doing that today. I think he's been excellent in those areas. There's a lot of growth within him that way. He's been a real integral piece for us."

Seguin entered the game with 358 goals and 799 points, including 7 goals and 11 points this season.

His development has caught the eye of Brad Marchand. The two were often linemates during the Bruins' run to the Stanley Cup in 2011.

"He's still cocky," Marchand said through laughter. "Segs is awesome. He is one of the more gifted players I've played with throughout my career. What's really impressed me with his game recently is his attention to his defensive game. He's really detailed now in the defensive zone when he's killing, he's working very hard on the backcheck, he competes in his own zone, which as a young player he had to work on ... So, I give him a lot of credit. He didn't have to change and adapt that way, but he did and he's a great player for that team."