McAvoy Back at Practice, Nearing Return

BOSTON - Charlie McAvoy was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, his first since an infection in his foot sidelined him for the last six games. The 21-year-old blue liner has been ruled out for Thursday night's tilt with Washington, but - barring any setbacks - could be back in the lineup on Saturday in Toronto.
"He was a full go today," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. "He's progressing well. Again, [Thursday] morning we'll find out if there's any setbacks. If not, then Saturday becomes a reality. Won't say he's in - he's not gonna play [Thursday], but that becomes a target date. We'll see how it works out."

McAvoy, who reported no ill effects following the on-ice session, has had his patience tested this season. After missing nearly two months - a span of 20 games - with a concussion, the former first-round pick was starting to find his stride.
But in just his seventh game back, McAvoy blocked a shot during the Bruins' 4-0 win over Montreal on Dec. 17. The shot caused the skin around his ankle to "explode" and required stitches, though McAvoy played through the injury for the following three games with the three-day Christmas break on the horizon.
While at home in New York for the holiday, however, McAvoy began to see signs of infection around the cut and returned home to consult with the team's medical staff. It was at that point that McAvoy was placed on antibiotics and forced off the ice once again.

"The doctors did a great job of making sure we got on top of it," said McAvoy, who has been limited to just 17 games this season. "Unfortunately I had to cut my time short with my family, but it was good to get on top of it because I really didn't know much about it.
"[David] Backes has gone through it, [David Pastrnak] has gone through it. Ultimately it could have been way worse, but I'm fortunate to have the doctors be really sharp on that and have our trainers care for it as good as they have to ultimately avoid a bigger scare."
McAvoy began skating on his own before practice on Monday, before re-joining his teammates for Wednesday's nearly hour-long session at Warrior Ice Arena.
"Felt really good. It's good to be back just skating with the guys and put that behind me and continue to feel better every day," said McAvoy. "My antibiotics ran their course probably a couple days ago and that's when I was able to get back on the ice. My cut was really pretty big. You didn't want to have it in a skate, a place that carries around so much bacteria.
"Our doctors and trainers did a phenomenal job really playing this one safe and being on top of it. I'm very fortunate to always have them looking out for my best interest."

Ending the Streak

The Bruins know their recent history with the Washington Capitals is anything but pretty. Boston has dropped 13 straight against the Caps, including a 7-0 thumping at the hands of the defending Stanley Cup champs on Opening Night.
With the B's in search of their sixth straight victory, it seems like the perfect time to end the streak.
"I think it's the next one on our schedule, so we've got to have all hands on deck, all synapses firing to try and beat this Capitals team that obviously won the Cup last year," said David Backes. "They took it to us pretty handily Opening Night in their building as they raise the banner. It's time we turn the tide and get the best of them.
"I think we've been playing well, especially at home, and with our lineup playing the way it is, I like us against anybody. It's a great test."
The Caps (26-12-4) are currently first in the Metro Division with 56 points and have won two straight, including a 5-3 victory over Philadelphia on Tuesday night. Alex Ovechkin leads Washington with 30 goals and 47 points in 42 games.
"We've got to get over the hurdle. They're the defending Stanley Cup champions and if you want to be the best you've got to beat the best," said Cassidy. "I know it's a long season, but we're playing good hockey.
"I'd like to think our guys will be confident going into the game, not thinking about what happened Opening Night or over the years, yet still have a bit of that that, 'Hey, enough's enough' type of attitude as well."
Jaroslav Halak will get the start in goal on Thursday night vs. Washington.

Wednesday's Practice Lineup

Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk - David Krejci - David Backes
Danton Heinen - Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson - Ryan Donato
Sean Kuraly - Noel Acciari - Chris Wagner
Zdeno Chara - Brandon Carlo
Torey Krug - John Moore
Matt Grzelcyk - Kevan Miller
Steven Kampfer - Charlie McAvoy
Jaroslav Halak
Tuukka Rask