Rask (Lower-Body) Returns To Practice

BOSTON- Tuukka Rask, who missed Saturday night's game against the Islanders with a lower-body injury, was back on the ice for practice Monday morning. The netminder appeared to practice without limitations and said he thinks he will be good to go Tuesday night against Nashville.
"Good day back on the ice. Feel good," said Rask. "See what the decision is, but I felt good today, got another morning skate tomorrow and go from there."

Rask noted that the injury is not something that has been lingering and he is not worried about it affecting him moving forward.
"It just popped up suddenly, but luckily we got ahead of it, did some treatments there and I feel good now," said Rask. "Never an easy decision this time of the year [not to play], but injuries happen. I talked to the training staff and managers and we came to the decision that [Anton Khudobin] was going to play the game.
"We played a good game and luckily we got the win. It's obviously tough from a personal standpoint, but it's never about one guy or two guys missing. It's a team game and I had full confidence that they were going to get the job done as long as we played the way we did. It was great to see."
Interim head coach Bruce Cassidy said that if Rask was healthy, he would be in goal against the Predators.
"He had a good practice today, I spoke with him, so we'll see how he wakes up tomorrow and we'll make our decision," said Cassidy. "He's our No. 1 goalie…his health is very important and when he's ready to go and he tells me that, we'll make our decision. One practice he feels good and that's a big positive for us.

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Krejci Leaves Early

David Krejci left Monday's session early with what Cassidy termed an upper-body injury, but said he expects the pivot to be in the lineup Tuesday night against Nashville.
"He's got a bit of an upper-body injury, a little discomfort. He got treatment," said Cassidy. "I believe he'll be fine tomorrow, we don't think it's anything major. But, again, I can't speculate. That's the issue."

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Beleskeys Welcome Baby Girl

Matt Beleskey had a pretty good reason to miss Saturday's game in Brooklyn. The winger and his wife Victoria welcome their first child, a daughter Ivy, on Sunday morning.
"We went in there on Friday, it was kind of long process, it happened Sunday morning," said Beleskey. "It was great, something I'll never forget. My wife did great. It was a different process, but I couldn't be happier. It's a crazy feeling having your first one."

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Schaller Back on the Ice

Tim Schaller also made his return to practice Monday morning, wearing a red non-contact jersey. The forward has missed the last eight games with a lower-body injury and is still working his way back.
"It was kind of a relief to be back with the guys," said Schaller. "Obviously not contact…to be with the guys and be in the mix again felt pretty good. We're getting there. I feel better every day, so hopefully I can get back soon."

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Chara Nominated for Masterton

Bruins captain Zdeno Chara was announced as the Bruins' nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
"Obviously it's a huge honor to be nominated," said Chara. "I take a lot of pride in doing my job as a professional and doing it right, do my work every day on and off the ice. I'm really humbled about being part of this league and this game. It's a game that gives you so much and makes you a better person and a better hockey player.
"I'm just enjoying my time with my team and my teammates…I try to work on my game every day and improve."