November 18, 2013; Raleigh, NC, USA; Boston Bruins forward Loui Eriksson (21) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Center. The Boston Bruins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Fantastic news from the Bruins organization this evening. Bruins forward Loui Eriksson has finally been cleared for contact. Eriksson has been out of action since being hit in the head by Brooks Orpik on December 7th. That hit was the start of a very nasty game that later saw Orpik leave on a stretcher, and Bruins ‘Merlot Man’ Shawn Thornton get a fifteen game suspension for pummeling Orpik to the point he needed the stretcher. Here’s a little more news on Eriksson, courtesy of the Boston Bruins Twitter account:
Per Julien, Loui "doubtful for tomorrow" since today was first day of contact, but doesn't think it will be very long before his return ^CS
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 8, 2014
The big question now is where does Eriksson go once he’s back? Hopefully, the Bruins organization won’t mess with the chemistry Reilly Smith has found with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. I won’t disagree that Loui Eriksson is a top six forward, but why should the Bruins mess with what is currently working for them. I’d expect to see Loui on the third line once he’s back in the line up.
On the subject of Bruins back in the line up, it appears that Bruins forward Milan Lucic should be healthy to take on the Los Angeles Kings tomorrow night. This information also comes from the Bruins Twitter Page:
Lucic practiced today, after missing last night w/illness. "hopefully just a 24-hour thing & I'll be recovered and ready to go tomorrow" ^CS
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 8, 2014
Coach Julien reported the illness as a case of ‘possible food poisoning’. I guess that’s one bear who won’t be eating any west coast sushi for the foreseeable future. Finally after the Los Angeles Kings game, the Bruins will get back forward Shawn Thornton for the game against the San Jose Sharks. Thornton has been practicing and traveling with the team since his suspension, and it will be great to have the Merlot Men all working together again.