Mark Kastelic skated with the Bruins in a non-contact jersey during Wednesday’s practice. It marked the first time the forward practiced with the team since suffering an injury in the final seconds of Boston’s loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Jan. 9.
Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg hit Kastelic with a cross-check before the two dropped the gloves. Kastelic hit his head hard on the ice and was unsteady when he got to his feet.
“Taking it one day at a time, but I feel really good,” Kastelic told reporters. “Everyone’s a little different in their own way. Been through the protocol a couple times. It’s there for a reason. Just trying to stay positive and take it one day at a time.’
It’s unclear when Kastelic — who was placed on injured reserve this week — will shed the merlot sweater for a regular practice one, but he said he’s just listening to his body and making sure to not rush back.
“Just trying to get back to 100% as quick as possible,” he said. “… I feel good. Looking forward to being back out there soon.”
The Bruins and the Lightning met again on Tuesday night and Trent Frederic avenged his teammate. Frederic got the better of the fight and though it wasn’t one-sided, Frederic landed some good punches after Lilleberg’s helmet came off.
“It was really special. I mean, that’s the kind of guys we have in here and how tight we are, and I commend them a lot for stepping up and having my back out there,” Kastelic said. “I feel like I try to have their backs as best I can, and when they show some fight and to stick up for me like that, it means a lot. I love those guys. I’m watching that — it just makes me happy and happy to know that I’m here for a couple more years and to be with this group, is just really special.”
Interim coach Joe Sacco said there’s still no timeline when Kastelic will return as the forward continues to go through the day-to-day motions.
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