Pastrnak Practices in Full, Nearing Return to Bruins Lineup

BOSTON - David Pastrnak is expecting the next few days to be the toughest in his recovery from offseason hip surgery. He is now four months removed from a right hip arthroscopy and labral repair and the light at the end of what has been a long and murky tunnel is beginning to emerge.
Staying patient in the coming days, as he nears a return to game action, will be key in making sure that he does not ruin all of the hard work he has put in during his rehabilitation, which was originally set for approximately five months.
"The closer it gets, the harder it gets," said Pastrnak, who shed the maroon non-contact sweater he'd been wearing over the past week in exchange for a regular white practice jersey on Monday morning at Warrior Ice Arena.

"This is the hardest part for an athlete, being hurt and not able to play, especially when the season is going. It's hard to watch the game as a player because you just want to get out there and play…my focus is to get back out there and get back into games ASAP.
"A lot of excitement. It's been a long road. I'm itching to get out there. It's been a good day today. Full practice with the boys and practice with some bodies besides myself…hopefully I get more good days like today."
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy was encouraged by the sight of Pastrnak in a white sweater, though the team will take the week to evaluate him as he gets re-acclimated to full-contact practices. Cassidy said it's unlikely that Pastrnak will play in home game against the Penguins on Tuesday and Thursday, but that the winger will likely travel this weekend for the B's trip to Washington and Philadelphia.
"Took contact, which was the next step in his progression," said Cassidy. "This week we'll see how he handles that. Then, if it goes well and he wakes up [on Tuesday] and the next day, depending on how much contact he needs, and doesn't feel any after-effects then we'll consider putting him in the lineup.
"I don't suspect he'll play any of these home games, but he'll probably travel with us and go from there. Good news on him, but let's see how he does [on Tuesday]."

Pastrnak rotated with Jack Studnicka during line rushes on Monday, skating alongside David Krejci and Nick Ritchie, though Cassidy succinctly and matter-of-factly said following the skate that Pastrnak will be back with Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron when he returns to game action.
When he does pull on the Spoked-B again, Pastrnak will be pain-free thanks to the September 16 surgery in New York, which the most intrusive and debilitating of his career. For two months after the procedure, the 24-year-old was unable to partake in any physical activity, significantly altering his offseason preparation, which, in addition to his on-ice training, is typically filled with tennis and soccer.
"My preparation to the season instead of running around in circles, I go play soccer and stuff, I'm very outgoing and sport-ish," said Pastrnak. "The first two months was really hard, couldn't do anything. Had to follow some programs and really work myself every single week just step by step…I had to totally change my preparation for the season."
Despite the challenges he faced during the most unusual of offseasons, the reigning Rocket Richard winner opted to take a more constructive outlook and use the recovery to benefit him long-term.
"I always look on the positive side," said Pastrnak, who along with Washington's Alexander Ovechkin led the NHL with 48 goals last season. "I got to know my body really, really well. Obviously did a lot of body weight workouts and preparation. I like that I got to know my body better but the hardest part for me was definitely the first two months when I really couldn't do anything and just believe in the process.
"I'm so happy I've done it. It's wonderful skating on the ice now pain-free."

Bergeron, Grzelcyk Stay Off

Monday's Practice Lineup

FORWARDS
Brad Marchand - Par Lindholm - Jake DeBrusk
Nick Ritchie - David Krejci - Jack Studnicka/David Pastrnak
Trent Frederic - Charlie Coyle - Craig Smith
Anders Bjork - Sean Kuraly - Chris Wagner
Greg McKegg
DEFENSEMEN
Jeremy Lauzon - Charlie McAvoy
Connor Clifton - Brandon Carlo
Jakub Zboril - Kevan Miller
Urho Vaakanainen
GOALIES
Tuukka Rask
Jaroslav Halak
Daniel Vladar