Marcus Johansson is nearing a return.
The Boston Bruins winger has missed his team’s last nine games after suffering a lung contusion against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 5. But Johansson returned to practice Sunday, and has a chance to play Monday night when they Bruins visit the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Here’s Johansson skating at practice:
.@mjohansson90 is on the ice in Tampa. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/t1oFG4vMzs
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 24, 2019
And here he is discussing his recovery process, as well as his looming return:
🎥 Marcus Johansson meets with the media in Tampa to discuss his return to practice after missing the last nine games with a lung contusion: pic.twitter.com/clBq7xdzQD
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 24, 2019
Johansson isn’t the only banged-up Bruin eying a return before the postseason.
Here are multiple updates:
Kevan Miller and Matt Grzelcyk have joined the group as practice winds down. #NHLBruins
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 24, 2019
#NHLBruins updates per Bruce Cassidy:
Marcus Johansson is “closer” and will be a game-time decision tomorrow vs. Tampa.
Torey Krug, Matt Grzelcyk, and Kevan Miller will not play.
Chris Wagner had a maintenance day, “assume he’ll play tomorrow.”
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 24, 2019
One Bruin looking at an extended absence is forward Sean Kuraly, who is expected to miss approximately four weeks after undergoing surgery for a hand fracture. Kuraly suffered the injury while blocking a shot Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.
