After missing the last three games of the first round of the Boston Bruins with the Carolina Hurricanes in the Playley of Stanley Cup, star wing David Pastrnak might be close to a comeback.
According to head coach Bruce Cassidy, the winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy won back in practice for the third straight day on Tuesday, and he even did a few stroke exercises.
And while Cassidy said his status for Game 5 on Wednesday night is still questionable, the update he offered on Pastrnak is promising.
“Better than they were,” Cassidy said of the chance Pastrnak will make his return Wednesday night.
‘He shook today, made it through practice, did a few punching exercises. Some of this will depend on how he feels in the morning, if there is a residual effect. And then we will make a decision. The next day we thought he had a chance from outside. Now I would give it better than that. So, we have to make a decision tomorrow. Four hours of play is difficult. You go seven or eight, you have to test it in the morning. That will be the challenge for the medical game, but if we feel he is 100% – no risk of further injury, he will be in the lineup. “
Pastrnak was described as “unfaithful to participate” after the opening game of the series against the Hurricanes, where the Bruins won 4-3 in overtime, thanks to a game-winner from Patrice Bergeron.
Bergeron and Brad Marchand sat out of practice on Tuesday, but Cassidy expects the veteran duo to be active for Game 5.
“I would expect Bergy and March to be good for tomorrow,” Cassidy said.
Of course, with a 3-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series, the Bruins have some winding room to not run back.
However, with a win Wednesday, Boston would send itself to the second round.
