The B's, who last played on Feburary 1 in a 3-2 win over the Seattle Kraken at TD Garden, were almost back to full health for Monday's practice with Haula returning from COVID-19 protocol after missing the last two games.
"Haula is back from COVID, so he's clear," coach Bruce Cassidy said following Monday's practice. Haula will return to his spot on the second line, where he has found his groove, having scored four goals in the month of January between Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak.
Also skating on Monday was Trent Frederic, who last played on January 10 vs. the Caps when he suffered a upper-body injury and Nick Foligno, who has been out with an upper-body injury since Jan. 24 vs. Anaheim.
"I think Freddy and Foligno should be available for [the Penguins game] if they come in [Tuesday] morning and feel good," said Cassidy.
Urho Vaakanainen, who was injured in the B's last game vs the Kraken, was not out on the ice for Monday's practice.
"Vaakaninen left the game last week and had some facial repairs, so that's where he's at, he won't be in [Tuesday] and we will see how he progresses," said Cassidy.
Tuukka Rask, who has not played since January 24 vs. the Ducks, also sat out Monday's practice.
"Tuukka obviously not on the ice today," said Cassidy. "He won't be practicing this week, so we'll update at the end of the week early next week."
Jeremy Swayman spoke with the media on Monday for the first time since returning to the big club last week and had nothing but positives to take away from his time spent in Providence after Rask returned to the Bruins in early January. Swayman will get the start in net on Tuesday night as the Penguins come to Boston.
"I think it was an opportunity to get better mentally physically, and work on my game," said Swayman. "So I don't want to make it a negative thing at all. I think there were a lot of positives that came out of it and im just happy to be back with the team."
