January 17, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Steve Downie (9) defends Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference (21) during the second period at St. Pete Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After the Boston Bruins’ 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, the team had four days off before a showdown with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night in Florida.

Along with the extended break in-between games, came the flu. Seven of Boston’s players missed practice on Tuesday with flu-like symptoms. Lane MacDermid was called up to practice on Tuesday as a precaution just incase he may have to fill in. Also back with the team was Milan Lucic who left the team and returned to Boston for “personal reasons” and missed Sunday’s game in Winnipeg. Lucic said, “Good thing is everyone’s home and healthy now and that’s basically it. It was a long last couple days, flying to Winnipeg and flying all the way back as soon as I got there. But, like I said, everyone’s happy and healthy and that’s the main thing.” His family is healthy and so is he so you can bet that Lucic is full of energy and ready to get back on the ice with his teammates.

Even with all the absences that the Bruins had on Tuesday, everyone was back on the ice for practice on Wednesday before they took off for Florida. After practice on Wednesday Coach Claude Julien said, “Let’s knock on wood here but the guys that were missing from practice yesterday are all feeling much better.” Despite the flu-like symptoms, the Bruins seem like they will have a full lineup for Thursday’s game against the Lightning.

This game will be the first matchup of the two teams this season. The Bruins and the Lightning were scheduled to play earlier in the month but the game was postponed due to the inclement weather. The Lightning (8-6-1) are tied for first in the Southeast division and the Bruins (9-2-2) are in second in the Northeast division. The Bruins will have to be on their best defensive game because Tampa has many offensive weapons that can put the puck in the back of the net. After winning two straight games (with ten total goals scored), the offensive players for Tampa definitely have a lot of confidence right now. Whoever is in goal for the Bruins will have to bring his “A” game. This game will definitely have a sense of urgency as both teams try to get to first place in their respective divisions.

March 6, 2012; Toronto, ON, CANADA; Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand (63) and Toronto Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski (84) battle for position behind the net at the Air Canada Centre. Boston defeated Toronto 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Bruins suffered their first regulation loss of the season against the Buffalo Sabres 7-4 and will look to bounce back from that defeat tonight in Toronto. The Toronto Maple Leafs come into this game with eight points, only three points behind the Bruins and Senators for first place in the Northeast division.

The Bruins certainly had a rough game against the Sabres on Thursday. Buffalo came out and played very physical the whole game and broke the Bruins down. The Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced that Shawn Thornton would be out for 7-10 days with a concussion that he sustained in Thursday’s game when he fought John Scott. Along with Thornton, Patrice Bergeron, Danielle Paille, and David Krejci also did not practice on Friday. It looks like Paille will not make the trip to Toronto but Bergeron and Krejci should be ready to play. The Bruins have called up youngster Jamie Tardiff from Providence, and with Thornton and Paille out, all signs are pointing to him being in the lineup. This will be Tardiff’s NHL debut.

Last season the Bruins absolutely dominated the Maple Leafs. The Bruins were a perfect 6-0 last year against the Leafs outscoring them 36 to 10. Two of those wins came in blowout fashion being 8-0 and 7-0. The Bruins simply lit up the Maple Leafs last year putting up enormous offensive numbers on the scoreboard.

The Maple Leafs are coming off a 3-2 win against the Capitals and have won two games in a row. The acquisition of James van Riemsdyk from Philadelphia has been a very nice addition for the Leafs so far, he has four goals in seven games and has started out the season just as the Leafs have hoped. Ex Bruin, Phil Kessel has yet to score this season, which is not a good sign for the Leafs through the first seven games. Last season, Kessel led the Leafs in scoring with 37 goals, and having not scored this year, has to be a small concern for Toronto.

I think even though the Bruins are a little banged up, I do think they will bounce back with a win against Toronto. Even with Paille and Thornton out, the Bruins are a much deeper team on paper then Toronto is. As long as the Bruins fix the defensive problems they had Thursday night, come out with a high level of energy, and finish their chances, they should come out and beat the Maple Leafs Saturday night.