As Savard spoke to the media after an optional skate Thursday morning at TD Garden, it was clear that the Bruins center, who has not played this season due to post-concussion syndrome, was itching to be in the lineup against the Lightning Thursday night.
“I think at the end of the day, skating every day and after practice and stuff, it gets long and gets a little monotonous, because you’re doing the same thing,” said Savard, who also thanked the team brass, medical staff and coaches for not letting him rush back. “When I am able to play, I can’t wait. It’s going to be an exciting time.”
The team gave him that clearance just a few hours before gametime. It is unclear how much ice time Savard will see.
This will mark the first time Savard has played since Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Philadelphia. During the off-season, Savard was discovered to still be suffering from post-concussion syndrome and that’s kept him off the ice until recently when he was cleared for on-ice activities again.
The Bruins are in need of a consistent point producer on offense and nervously waiting out when/if Savard would return this year has clearly been their plan. Tonight, should he play, will be the moment all of Boston has been waiting for this season.