Boston Bruins Daily Report: SO CLOSE to full strength again

Plenty of injury news to go around for the Boston Bruins as the team practices in preparation for their upcoming game with the Arizona Coyotes.

The Boston Bruins returned to the Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday after a quick two game road trip to Philadelphia and Nashville, and as the case has been throughout this season, a few key names were absent from practice.

Ryan Spooner (lower body) and Torey Krug (maintenance day) were the two skaters missing from what other wise was a full squad. Head coach Bruce Cassidy spoke about both after practice.

“Spooner’s lower body is what we’re looking at,” he said, before adding that the forward has been fighting through an injury and that the team will “look at it tomorrow” to determine his status for Thursday night’s game against the Arizona Coyotes.

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Cassidy didn’t specify exactly, but it sounds like the groin injury that caused Spooner to miss 15 games already this season is still nagging him. The 25 year old has four points (1-3–4) in 10 games this season.

Torey Krug on the other hand didn’t participate due to a maintenance day, so no real cause for concern there, he should suit up Thursday night.

DeBrusk nearing return

The good news Wednesday was that Jake Debrusk (upper body) returned to practice as a full participant for the first time since getting injured against the Edmonton Oilers back on November 26th. Cassidy stated that the rookie is “getting closer” and will be a game-time decision Thursday, but he would have to be activated from the Injured Reserve first. Cassidy and GM Don Sweeney will be discussing that prior to making the decision.

DeBrusk spoke to the media after practice and said that he’s “feeling good, better than yesterday, closer to game action” before commenting on the first two months of the season, which he said “the ups and downs of the season is a good thing if you can get out of it, there’s other teams struggling more than we are, and others doing better.” The Bruins would be on the outside looking in if the playoffs started today, but they sit just one point back of the Canadiens for the 3rd spot in the Atlantic Division with four games in hand.

Adam McQuaid (leg) is the only player that has been officially ruled out against the Coyotes. Cassidy said that Saturday against the Islanders is unlikely too, and that the defenseman needs full practice time before playing in a game. So next week is more realistic for McQuaid’s return.

Cassidy ended his press conference answering a question about the lineup dilemma the coaching staff will have coming up once the team is at full strength, possibly as soon as early next week, he said that the players “will have to earn it” and it will be up to the staff to make the appropriate decision.

Next: Week 9 Review: Bruins are good when healthy

Wednesday’s Practice Lines

Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak
DeBrusk/Vatrano – Krejci – Bjork
Heinen – Nash – Backes
Schaller/Beleskey – Kuraly – Acciari

Chara-McAvoy
Postma-Carlo
Grzelcyk-Miller

Rask
Khudobin

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