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Bonino expected to return for Canucks versus Bruins

Buffalo Sabres v Vancouver Canucks

Buffalo Sabres v Vancouver Canucks

NHLI via Getty Images

The Vancouver Canucks, inundated with injuries of late, will actually have a player returning to the lineup tonight in Boston.

Nick Bonino (11G, 14A) is expected to be back centering the second line. The 26-year-old has been out since Feb. 9, when he hurt his foot blocking a shot versus Minnesota.

“It’s always good when you get some guys back,” Canucks coach Willie Desjardins said, per NHL.com. “You know he’s a big part for us and we’ve missed him while he’s been out. So if he’s back it’ll be great.”

The Canucks will still be without a number of regulars versus the Bruins, including three key defensemen, Kevin Bieksa, Alex Edler, and Chris Tanev. Winger Alex Burrows is also expected to miss tonight’s game. And, of course, Ryan Miller will be sidelined for a while, leaving the starting goalie duties to Eddie Lack.

The Canucks have two games left on their five-game trip. They finish up Thursday in Buffalo.

Projected lines tonight:

Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Zack Kassian
Shawn Matthias - Nick Bonino - Radim Vrbata
Chris Higgins - Linden Vey - Derek Dorsett
Ronalds Kenins - Bo Horvat - Jannik Hansen

Related: With Krejci injured (again), opportunity knocks (again) for Spooner