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Boston Bruins Daily Report: Charlie McAvoy Nears Return

By Dan Watkins

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins watches the play against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the TD Garden on November 11, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins watches the play against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the TD Garden on November 11, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Bruins got back to their winning ways by defeating the St. Louis Blues Thursday night. The team received more promising news on Friday.

It was an optional skate Friday morning for the Boston Bruins, a few notable players participated including Charlie McAvoy. McAvoy has now skated every day this week, and was cleared for contact by the medical staff Thursday afternoon.

During his Friday press conference, head coach Bruce Cassidy spoke about the rookie defenseman’s potential return to the lineup Saturday night against the Maple Leafs.

"“He hasn’t been ruled out. Not gonna say he’s in either yet, skating today and we’ll keep monitoring that,” said Cassidy. “But he’s obviously getting closer.”"

This is a great sign for the 20 year old, who underwent a successful ablation procedure early last week at Massachusetts General Hospital. The original time table was two weeks, and we’re just a few days away from that bench mark.

TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 10: Charlie McAvoy
TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 10: Charlie McAvoy /

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My guess is that if all goes well during the team’s morning skate, we will see McAvoy suit up for Saturday night’s matchup against the Maple Leafs. It will be a good test to see where his stamina is at, and then get two days off before the team plays a back-to-back starting Tuesday night against the Red Wings and Rangers.

The Bruins Kryptonite

It has been almost two calendar years since the Bruins have gotten a win against Toronto. The last victory coming back on March 26, 2016, by a score of 3-1. Boston went 0-4 last season against their divisional rivals and are 0-1-1 in the two meetings so far thus season.

Another way of looking at it is, since Maple Leafs phenom Auston Matthews has entered the league, the Bruins haven’t beaten him.

If the season ended today, the two Original Six teams would square off in the first round, the Bruins currently hold a three point advantage over Toronto, with four games in hand.

Next: Bruins Prospect Update: Ryan Donato

Other Notes

Kevan Miller (Upper Body) is considered “day to day” after leaving Thursday night’s game against the Blues. The staff will evaluate the veteran defenseman Saturday, if he and McAvoy are unable to go, Paul Postma will be ready to suit up.

Peter Cehlarik was reassigned to Providence after being an emergency call up for Thursday’s game. He totaled 10 minutes of ice time while skating with Riley Nash and David Backes.

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