The Boston Bruins have been without their best offensive player for the first five games of the 2020-21 NHL season, but he could return to the lineup as soon as the weekend.
David Pastrnak underwent hip surgery over the offseason with an expected return date of mid-February. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy has said a few times in recent weeks that the star right winger is ahead of schedule, and he provided another promising injury update Monday.
"He skated in a normal jersey today, so he took contact, which was the next step in his progression," Cassidy said in a Zoom call. "This week we'll see how he handles that, and then if it goes well and he wakes up tomorrow or the next day -- depending on how much contact he needs -- and doesn't feel any after effects, then we'll consider putting him in the lineup.
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SIGN UP HERE "I don't suspect he'll play in any of these home games, but he will probably travel with us and we'll see from there. Good news on him, but let's see how he does tomorrow."
Mic'd up Trent Frederic taunting P.K. Subban is absolute gold
Getting out of the red non-contact jersey is a great sign in Pastrnak's recovery.
The Bruins will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday and Thursday at TD Garden before going on the road for four games, beginning with a Saturday matchup versus Zdeno Chara and the Washington Capitals.
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If Pastrnak does travel with the team to Washington, it's possible he could make his debut versus the Capitals either Saturday or Monday.
The Bruins offense struggled to begin the season, but the team has bounced back in a major way with 10 goals scored over its last two games -- both wins against the Philadelphia Flyers. Pastrnak's return, whenever it comes, will be a huge boost for the B's after he led the team with 48 goals and 95 points last season.