BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins had defenseman Kevan Miller back from illness for their 4-1 win against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Sunday.
They might be a little healthier in time for Game 3 on Tuesday (7:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, CBC) in Detroit. Defenseman Matt Bartkowski, who hasn't played in a game since April 13, skated during an optional practice Monday at TD Garden. He would appear to be the closest to returning of Boston's missing regulars.
Forward Daniel Paille, who hasn't played since he was injured April 12, skated as well. He's been on the ice several times in the past week as he tries to return from what's believed to be a head injury. The Bruins are being patient with all their returnees.
"There's again a certain route you have to take," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "And it's no different than Matt Bartkowski being out for that long and being sick. We have to allow him to skate a little bit and get himself back into the groove of things before you're allowed to throw him into a game. So I don't think those guys [Paille and forward Chris Kelly] being much, much different. So again, it's a day-to-day process, and I'm just waiting to hear."
Kelly has been out with a back injury. He didn't play in the Bruins' last three games of the regular season and it's believed he hasn't skated since.
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