BOSTON - Bruce Cassidy offered some perspective on Tuesday afternoon.

When asked if his team was facing pressure heading into Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he chose to take a much broader outlook.

BOSTON - You probably wouldn't have an argument from many around the Bruins if you presented the opinion that the team's fourth line has been its best and most consistent during their opening round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The trio of Tim Schaller, Sean Kuraly, and Noel Acciari are relied upon to bring dependability and energy each time they hit the ice. They have done that and then some all season long, adding a bit of offensive flare - they combined for 28 goals in the regular season - from a portion of the lineup traditionally known more for its grit and intensity.

BOSTON - What happened to the Bruins on Thursday night was nothing new.

Playing a game minus one of their top players has become commonplace this season. And Boston has become particularly familiar with being down its No. 1 center.

Patrice Bergeron missed 18 games during the regular season due to injury, including 13 late in the year as he recovered from a fracture in his right foot. Nevertheless, Boston managed to post an 11-5-2 record without their MVP-caliber pivot.

BostonBruins.com - Through three games of the Bruins' first-round series with the Toronto Maple Leafs, one of the key factors in each contest has been the teams' ability to transition through the neutral zone. This is an area that Boston struggled with at times in Game 3, during which they were without rookie defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, who was sidelined with a lower-body injury.

BOSTON - As the Bruins head North with a 2-0 series lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs, they could be packing a roster that is as healthy as it has been in months.

During an off-day meeting with the media on Sunday afternoon at Warrior Ice Arena, Boston coach Bruce Cassidy said that it's possible both Riley Nash and Tommy Wingels could be well enough to play in Game 3 on Monday night at Air Canada Centre.

BOSTON - The Bruins saw the return of a familiar face Friday afternoon at Warrior Ice Arena, with forward Riley Nash joining the team for his first full practice since taking a puck to the side of the head on March 31.

"I feel good," said Nash. "It's nice to get back out there with the guys and actually feel like you're a part of the team again. Today was a good day."

The 2018 Boston Bruins Playoffs are presented by JetBlue

BOSTON - Over an 82-game regular-season grind, the Bruins have faced a bevy of injuries up and down the lineup. Ranging from first-line center, to top-pairing defensemen, to both goaltenders, the Black & Gold have overcome the injury-bug to record the fourth-best record in the National Hockey League.

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs approach, the B's will be missing only defenseman Brandon Carlo (out 3-4 months with a fractured ankle) and Riley Nash, who has missed the previous five games with an ear laceration suffered March 31 against the Florida Panthers.

BOSTON - Bruce Cassidy noticed the difference as soon as he stepped on the ice Tuesday afternoon at Warrior Ice Arena.

The Bruins had only been away from the rink for one day, but even that short reprieve seemed to provide a jolt through the dressing room.

SUNRISE, Fla. - Bruce Cassidy had a decision to make on Wednesday.

Fresh off a 4-0 beat down from the Tampa Bay Lightning - which capped a stretch of three games in four days - and with three games in four days to cap off the regular season on the horizon, Boston's bench boss wrestled with the idea of trading practice time for a bit of rest.

BOSTON - As the end of the regular season fast approaches, the Bruins continue to charge towards full health. They'll add another regular back into the lineup for Saturday's matinee against Florida, with Jake DeBrusk expected to return after missing eight games with an upper-body injury.

"He's gonna go play with [David Krejci] on the left wing," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. "We'll see how he is. He's looked good the last few days, his legs. Sometimes a little breather at this time of the year is not the end of the world. It's been a long year. He'll have to get his timing back, but his legs sure looked good."

With DeBrusk sliding back into his normal spot alongside Krejci, Ryan Donato will move to the right wing. Donato has five points (three goals, two assists) in six games since arriving from Harvard earlier this month.