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Battered Bruins hoping Boychuk returns tonight

Johnny Boychuk

Boston Bruins’ Johnny Boychuk is carried off the ice after taking a hit from Montreal Canadiens’ Max Pacioretty during first period NHL hockey action Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013 in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)

AP

The Boston Bruins have been hit hard by injuries, but they got some encouraging news yesterday.

Mere days after Johnny Boychuk’s scary fall, he was able to participate in a Bruins’ practice.

“It was all right; it didn’t feel awesome,” Boychuk told the Boston Herald. “I haven’t skated in five days or so. But at least I got back on the ice and moved around a little. It’s still pretty stiff. It’s been loosening up every day. We’ll see how it feels (Tuesday).”

The Bruins are currently without defensemen Adam McQuaid and Dougie Hamilton, which means that if Boychuk isn’t available, then Boston will have to call someone up before tonight’s match against the Calgary Flames.

Bruins coach Claude Julien suggested that they haven’t done that yet because they’re still hoping it won’t be necessary.

Meanwhile, Boston is also missing forwards Chris Kelly (ankle), Loui Eriksson (concussion), and Shawn Thornton (suspended pending hearing).

UPDATE:

Hamilton will be out 2-4 weeks with his lower-body injury, the club reported today. Also, Dan Paille has an upper-body issue that’ll keep him out of the Calgary contest.

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