Nov 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center Chris Kelly (23) skates in the offensive zone during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Coach Claude Julien had several topics to cover in the interviews after the Bruins practiced in Long Island in preparation for tomorrow’s game in New York. While there was a murmur or two over Bruins captain Zdeno Chara taking a maintenance day, (He’s fine everyone. Claude Julien just told him to take a day off and rest.) the biggest question among the media was the status of center Chris Kelly. The Bruins were on the fence about playing him against the Flyers, but chose not to. It looks like it will be a game time decision again.
Kelly has been out since December 7th with a broken leg, and he’s been itching to get back into the game. He appears to be able to go, and now it comes down to the organization. The Bruins head coach talked about Kelly’s progress, status, and if he would be in tomorrow night’s game.
“He’s been skating for a while,” offered Julien on Kelly. “On his own mostly, but I think obviously the adrenaline, the excitement of coming back when you’re out for six weeks and you’re watching your team play and you’re hanging around your teammates, but you can’t be part of it – it can be tough. I think he’s excited now to get back and he’s working hard, but the other day , we didn’t feel he was ready. But we’ll see how he is today and tomorrow, and he may not again, or he may, but I think he’s getting pretty close so, again, it’s a joint decision with him, the trainers and the coaching staff.”
To be honest, Ryan Spooner has done a pretty adequate job filling the hole for Kelly. With Kelly’s return, it will be a serious question on who will be the extra forward and who is either going back to Providence or on waivers.