Bruins Get Good News On Two Key Missing Players

The Boston Bruins placed two key members of their squad on injured reserve last week, but it it was more about roster manipulation than any serious injury trouble. Both Pavel Zacha and Charlie McAvoy are expected to be suiting up for their game Tuesday night vs. the Minnesota Wild, per head coach Jim Montgomery.

Jim Montgomery on status of Pavel Zacha and Charlie McAvoy heading into tonight's game vs. Minnesota: "Zacha 100%. We're just waiting for McAvoy to see where he's at after today...he's more than likely going to play, but I’m not going to sit here and say 100%." pic.twitter.com/QOeePS8Fs6
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 19, 2023

"Zacha 100% (will play)", said the coach. "We're just waiting for McAvoy to see where he's at after (the morning skate)...he's more than likely going to play."

As for Zacha, he skated at practice Monday on the top line with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. He's been out of the lineup for 10 days with an upper-body injury. But he feels he won't miss a beat, having been back on the ice for a few days.

Pavel Zacha on returning for tonight's game: "I wasn't gone for that long so hopefully it's going to be good we'll see today in the game...I just had one full practice with the team so I'm just excited to jump in the game and see how it goes." pic.twitter.com/UFxGauZ6ef
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 19, 2023

"I wasn't gone for that long so hopefully it's going to be good we'll see today in the game...I just had one full practice with the team so I'm just excited to jump in the game and see how it goes," Zacha said. He has 19 points in 26 games.

Even if McAvoy is back, Parker Wotherspoon will be retaining his spot in the lineup, as he's performed well in the five games he's played. "He has a little snarl to his game and some jam, and we think that's an element on our defense that's needed."

Photo: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports