Adam McQuaid out eight weeks with broken fibula

Adam McQuaid suffered a broken right fibula and will have surgery on Monday at Massachusetts General Hospital, the team announced Friday. He's expected to miss eight weeks.

McQuaid suffered the injury while blocking a shot during the third period of Thursday's 6-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks at TD Garden. He blocked two shots on the same shift. The first one stung but he remained on the ice and was limping around while the Canucks sustained pressure in the offensive zone. He blocked a second shot and that's what did the damage. His grimace could be seen from the press box. As the play continued, teammate David Backes helped McQuaid off the ice.

McQuaid also suffered an injury blocking a shot during Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Golden Knights in Las Vegas. He remained motionless on the ice and needed to be helped off. He missed practice on Tuesday, but returned on Wednesday.

BSJ analysis

McQuaid's absence will be a huge loss for the Bruins. He's been a steady presence on the blue line and has the respect of his teammates on and off the ice. Defensive partner Torey Krug described McQuaid to BostonSportsJournal.com after Thursday's game as "literally the ultimate teammate."

Paul Postma will be inserted into the lineup on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden. The Bruins signed the veteran defenseman for exactly this reason and to add depth to the blue line. Coach Bruce Cassidy said he has all the faith in Postma to step in and do the job. His strength is moving the puck out of the defensive end and he has a heavy shot.

"Obviously I haven't been in the lineup, but I've been taking care of myself and working hard in practice," said Postma, who will likely slide into McQuaid's spot next to Krug on the No. 2 defensive pairing. "I've been watching video, watching the games and I've been through this kind of stuff before; it's a mental and physical battle and you've got to be mentally ready when you get those chances to get in the lineup.

"You never want to see injuries. Adam's a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve and those things happen. I wish him the best and we're going to miss him a lot, but it's up to the other guys to step up and I'll get a chance to play now and I'll make the most of it."

The Bruins will likely recall a defenseman from Providence after the P-Bruins' game Friday night.