The Boston Bruins might get some reinforcement back on the blue line on Thursday.
Charlie McAvoy practiced Wednesday as he continues to rehab from an undisclosed injury that landed him on injured reserve Jan. 14. The defenseman is hopeful to return Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets.
McAvoy told reporters that he’s been skating every day since the injury since it didn’t impact his legs, and he’ll see how he feels after Thursday’s morning skate before a decision is made aout playing.
After the Bruins suffered an ugly loss to the last-place Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, the alternate captain is hoping his return can give a little boost to the lineup.
“That’s what we’re hoping for,” McAvoy said. “Whenever you’re not full strength you have it in the back of your mind. You don’t wanna focus on it. Obviously, it’s next man up. But when a team is shorthanded a bit, it doesn’t help anything. I’m excited to get back and I know (Hampus Lindholm’s) the same way. Whatever we can do to help the team. We’re in a spot where every single game matters. The sooner we can be at full strength, the better.”
While McAvoy sounded optimistic a return could come as early as Thursday, Lindholm wasn’t so sure.
“It’s been a long time since I played so I wanna make sure when I get out there I can make a difference for the team,” Lindholm, who’s on long-term injured reserve, said . “As frustrating as it is being sidelined. it’s just the way it is. It’s easy to rush things but coming back and not being able to play to the standard I hold myself (to) is not going to be worth it. I try to really push myself for now and get back to that level I know I can be at.”
When asked if Saturday’s game against the New York Rangers was realistic, Lindholm said he just wants to be smart. The two-week break is approaching for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off and Lindholm isn’t on Team Sweden’s roster, so the added rest might be beneficial for Lindholm, who only recently resumed skating.
As for Mark Kastelic, interim coach Joe Sacco doesn’t believe he’ll be an option for Boston’s game against the Jets. The forward is on injured reserve, but practiced on Wednesday.
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