“We gave them the day off (Thursday), so that was something that came up (before Friday’s game),” Sturm said.

Pastrnak, who leads the Bruins with 29 points in 25 games this season, had skated in 298 consecutive games, including playoffs.

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Boston’s Matej Blumel also was out after being placed on long-term injured reserve before the game. The fellow Czech is still expected to undergo further testing.

Despite the injuries, Sturm spoke candidly on the team’s performance.

“I think to survive those kinds of games and stretches, you have a lot of injuries, a lot of guys have to step up. And a lot of guys didn’t,” he said.

Here’s the preview:

When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

Where: TD Garden, Boston

TV, radio: NESN, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Detroit -140. O/U: 5.5.

RED WINGS

Season record: 13-11-1. vs. spread: 13-12. Over/under: 13-8, 4 pushes

Last 10 games: 4-5-1. vs. spread: 4-6. Over/under: 7-2, 1 push

BRUINS

Season record: 14-12-0. vs. spread: 18-8. Over/under: 14-12

Last 10 games: 5-5-0. vs. spread: 6-4. Over/under: 5-5

TEAM STATISTICS

Goals scored: Detroit 73, Boston 79

Goals allowed: Detroit 86, Boston 84

Power play: Detroit 22.5%, Boston 24.7%

Penalty minutes: Detroit 250, Boston 322

Penalty kill: Detroit 79.7%, Boston 82.2%

Faceoffs won: Detroit 52.5%, Boston 52.1%

Stat of the day: Morgan Geekie ranks second in the NHL with 18 goals.

Notes: The Red Wings will look to shake a run of three straight losses and four in five games, including back-to-back games in which they allowed six goals. … Despite the recent drop following a previous 4-1-1 run, Detroit remains just two points outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Finding a way out, though, will take a more regular 60-minute effort. … The loss to Tampa Bay also saw Detroit’s top-flight forwards held off the scoresheet, with Alex DeBrincat’s three-game goal-scoring streak ending. Talent is not a question, but Detroit coach Todd McLellan said he is looking for more. “Do we have enough talent? Yes, I think we do,” he said. “Are we playing well enough? No, we are not.”

Cam Kerry can be reached at cam.kerry@globe.com.