Rick Nash is taking steps toward a possible return to game action.
The Boston Bruins forward, who remains out with an upper-body injury, will miss his ninth consecutive game when the B’s play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. But prior to the game, Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy provided an encouraging update on Nash — something that’s been hard to come by.
Cassidy also offered updates on Riley Nash and Sean Kuraly, both of whom are suffering from upper-body injuries, and Tommy Wingels, who has an injured hand. No new information was given on defenseman Brandon Carlo, who reportedly fractured his fibula Saturday against the Florida Panthers.
More #NHLBruins injury updates from Cassidy:
Tommy Wingels was slashed on the hand on Sunday. Out tonight, but not expected to be long term.
Rick Nash skated this morning in Boston. Riley Nash and Sean Kuraly did not.
Nothing further on Brandon Carlo’s status.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 3, 2018
The fact that Rick Nash has resumed skating is a huge development for the Bruins. If he does return, it will be interesting to see whether he slides back into his spot on the second line, given the clear chemistry between the line’s current configuration of Jake DeBrusk, David Krejci and Ryan Donato.
Speaking of returning: Cassidy also announced that rookie defenseman Charlie McAvoy will play Tuesday night after missing 15 games with an MCL sprain.
