Bold headline: Bruins brace for big returns as Pastrnak and McAvoy travel with team, signaling possible upgrades this week.
David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy are set to accompany the Boston Bruins on a three-game road swing, indicating both could rejoin the lineup by week’s end. The trip kicks off at Enterprise Center against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (TV: FDSNSW, NESN), followed by road tests against the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday and the Minnesota Wild on Sunday.
Head coach Marco Sturm emphasized patience and consistency. “We just have to make sure nothing will change,” Sturm said on Monday. “We’ve been solid structurally for a while, and the challenge for the returning players is to slip back in while maintaining the same style they finished with. We want them physically and mentally ready, without rushing the process.”
Pastrnak, who hasn’t played since November 26 against the Islanders due to an injury he’s dealt with before, had hoped to return the next game against the Rangers. He returned to the ice in a noncontact jersey on Monday in St. Louis, ahead of the trip.
“It stinks, but I’m glad to be back out there today,” Pastrnak said. “I’ll see how I feel tomorrow. I’ve been fortunate in recent years, so I just want to get back out there.” He currently has 29 points (11 goals, 18 assists) in 25 games this season.
When the injury struck, Pastrnak expected a quick return, only to be sidelined again. He added that in the meantime he has continued to work on his game off the ice with strong support from the trainers.
McAvoy, who sustained facial injuries after being struck by a puck on November 15 in Montreal, underwent facial surgery and has lost about 20 pounds, remaining on a liquid diet that initially was to last six weeks. He has 14 points, all assists, in 19 games and leads Bruins defensemen in average ice time at 23:46 per game.
McAvoy expressed optimism about gradual progress. “Getting it back, one day at a time, but I feel better every day, so I’ll keep pushing.”
Both players cautioned that a precise return date remains uncertain, but they are hopeful to see action at some point during the trip. McAvoy noted he’s able to skate more and longer as strength returns, while Pastrnak is eager to test his form on the road.
A successful return would be a major lift for Boston (17-13-0), which entered Monday tied with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the Atlantic Division lead. The Bruins have gone 4-2-0 over the last six games without their top scorers.
McAvoy summarized the team’s mindset: “No matter who’s in or out, we play the same way.” He added that younger players have stepped up to deliver key goals, and defensive play has made Boston a tough matchup. He recalled the team’s evolution from the start of the season under coach Sturm to now playing a winning style. With roughly 30 games played, he believes the Bruins still have room to grow and improve, which is an encouraging sign for the stretch run.
