Boston Bruins hopeful of defenseman Johnny Boychuk’s return in playoff opening game-NHL News
The Boston Bruins have great optimism about the return of their defenseman, Johnny Boychuk, from a knee injury to join the squad for their crucial game against the Washington Capitals at the TD Garden on Thursday, April 12, 2012.
Bruins are opening their playoff campaign with the first game of the playoff series and are hoping to come out on the ice with full strength.
Boychuk suffered a knee injury in a collision with Pittsburgh Penguins’ forward, Arron Asham, in the regular season tie on April 03, 2012. He has not played or practised since then.
Although Bruins’ coach, Claude Julien, said that the final decision about Boychuk’s participation will be taken after the team’s practice and training on Thursday morning, he remains hopeful of his comeback.
He said:
"He's feeling fairly good, so we want to remain optimistic with him."
Boychuk’s possible participation in the squad will be a very welcome development for the team, and is set to boost the squad’s confidence.
His presence in the line-up is even more crucial given the fact that Bruins are uncertain about the return of another defenseman, Adam McQuaid.
McQuaid suffered an eye injury in the game against the Washington Capitals on March 29, 2012. He was hit by Capitals’ left wing, Jason Chimera.
He missed three games in a row since suffering the injury until finally returning to the team in the game against the Ottawa Senators on April 05, 2012.
However, his appearance in Senators’ game was for a brief period as he left the ice after play of just seven minutes in the second period of the game. He did not return for the remaining part and is still out of the team.
The team until Wednesday, April 11, 2012, was not sure about his return since he did not show up for practice or skate in the team’s morning practice and training.
Some reports hinted at the possibility of him being reviewed again on Thursday morning. However, the chances of his return to Thursday’s night game seemed to be very thin and remote.
The coach said:
"He didn't skate again today, so he's certainly not going to be part of our lineup tomorrow [Thursday]."
Julien did not offer any comment on his comeback in the future, especially if he is going to report himself available for the next couple of games.
It will be a setback to the team’s playoff cause if the player remains out of the squad for few more games in the important second round, in which each game stands crucial to determination of overall standings.
In that case, the current season run will be very much on the line for him. The player himself and team must be hoping to avoid the possibility.
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