Bruins at Red Wings
The Boston Bruins hope to have one of their injured defensemen back in the lineup when they conclude their four-game road trip Wednesday against the Detroit Red Wings. Kevan Miller, who hasn't played since Oct. 18 because of a hand injury, looks to become the first of Boston's six ailing blueliners to return to action after participating in practice the past few days.
"That's the plan. We'll see. He'll be a game-time decision," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters Monday. "He's been practicing. ... (He) should be cleared and good to go for Wednesday." Boston improved to 1-1-1 on its trek with Saturday's 2-1 triumph at Arizona in which Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson scored his first career goal 72 seconds into the contest. Detroit, which edged New Jersey in overtime Saturday for its fifth win in six games, may get two injured players back for Wednesday's Original Six showdown. Thomas Vanek (knee) and defenseman Jonathan Ericsson (lower body) have been practicing and are possibilities for the lineup barring any setbacks.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Detroit Plus
ABOUT THE BRUINS (11-6-3): While Miller figures to return, Boston still will be without defensemen Zdeno Chara (knee), Charlie McAvoy (concussion), John Moore (lower body), Brandon Carlo (upper body) and Urho Vaakanainen (concussion). Also missing from the lineup will be Patrice Bergeron, who is battling an upper-body injury he suffered against Dallas on Friday. Despite sitting out Saturday's victory, the 33-year-old center leads the team in assists (17) and points (26).
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (9-9-2): While Vanek and Ericsson are on the verge of returning, Darren Helm is likely to be sidelined for some time because of the upper-body injury he suffered in the win over the Devils. "He was evaluated today," coach Jeff Blashill told reporters Monday. "Like I said after the game, this is not a day-to-day thing. He'll be out a good amount of time." Dylan Larkin, who scored the game-winning goal Saturday, leads the team with 19 points and has landed on the scoresheet in four of his last five contests.
OVERTIME
1. Bruins RW David Pastrnak, who tops the club with 17 goals, collected five tallies and three assists during a three-game point streak before being kept off the scoreboard in each of his last two contests.
2. Detroit C Frans Nielsen ranks third on the team with 10 assists but has yet to record a goal this season.
3. Boston LW Jake DeBrusk has registered three goals in as many games to pull within one of Bergeron (nine) for second on the team.