Patrice Bergeron could return to Bruins this weekend
Thursday's game looks out of the question, but a slew of the walking wounded are closing on a return.
The Bruins took several steps toward returning to full strength during practice at Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday.
Patrice Bergeron (rib/sternoclavicular), Zdeno Chara (left MCL), Jake DeBrusk (concussion), Kevan Miller (larynx), and Urho Vaakanainen (concussion) were moving at near full-speed during the hourlong workout, though none are expected to be available when the Bruins host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night.
Coach Bruce Cassidy seemed most encouraged by Bergeron, beginning a post-practice interview session by saying, “Don’t have a definitive timeline, don’t think he’ll play tomorrow, but he’s progressing well.’’
Bergeron, out since Nov. 16, is more likely to return against Nashville on Saturday or at Carolina on Sunday.
“Bergy potentially could play this weekend,’’ Cassidy said. “Friday’s probably better, to answer that better.’’
Cassidy has not determined whether Bergeron will combine with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak on the first line. David Krejci, who has been filling in for Bergeron centering the top line, is on a seven-game point streak (4-6—10) and is tied with Marchand with a team-leading 23 assists.
“Let’s face it, Bergy is going to the top of the lineup,’’ Cassidy said. “It’s just a matter, is the whole line staying together? Some of that’s coming on Jake’s health. Is he ready? Are they coming in together?’’
Bergeron’s preference?
“I mean, I don’t care,’’ he said. “I’ve said that before. We have great players, whoever it is I’m not going to complain. It’s good to get back on the ice. Felt very positive. I’m getting closer, for sure. We’ll see what happens and play it by ear, but obviously I’m very happy with how it went today.’’
The Bruins have remained in contention despite all the injuries.
“Everyone did their job and did it well,’’ Bergeron said. “A lot of guys came up from Providence and did a tremendous job and got some great experience. And it’s going to make them better players. I think everyone that stepped in did great, and that speaks a lot to the depth that we have. Our young guys coming up are impact players. The amount of injuries we have, it’s been great to see guys hanging on.’’
Chara has not played since Nov. 14.
“Z didn’t have a red [noncontact jersey] on but should have, but there is not a shirt that fits him,’’ Cassidy said. “So, he’s not playing tomorrow, but again, felt good.’’
Chara is preaching patience.
“I feel better, making progress every day,’’ he said. “It’s definitely nice to be out there. We take it day by day, we’ll see tomorrow. I definitely want to play, that’s what we are here for. At the same time, you have to respect the process. You have to be mindful of the treatments, the rehab, the protocol that you have to follow, so that you don’t rush it and do more damage or something that will cause a slowing down of the healing and the treatments.’’
Playing it smart
DeBrusk, who was injured against Toronto on Nov. 26, continued to play through Dec. 6.
“I learned the difference between playing hurt and playing injured,’’ he said. “I was definitely injured, something you can’t really play around with. I was trying to help the team out as much as I could, but the way I was playing I wasn’t helping anyone out.’’
Target date
Miller, who has been out since Nov. 26, is not likely to return to the lineup before a game against the Devils on Dec. 27. Upon his return, Vaakanainen could suit up for Finland at the World Junior Championship, which runs Dec. 26-Jan. 5.
Better mood
Cassidy on Wednesday’s practice with the injured players stepping back in: “Things run a little smoother. Practice habits, pace of the drills, mood of the team. I think that’s the biggest thing, guys know that they’re getting close when they’re out there skating with us. So it’s always good to have a core of guys out there. That’s the biggest difference, notice a little jump in everyone’s step knowing those guys are, hopefully, right around the corner.’’
