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Bruins welcome Eriksson, Thornton back to lineup

louierikssongetty

James OBrien

The Boston Bruins haven’t had Loui Eriksson and Shawn Thornton in the lineup since Dec. 7, but they’ll get both of them back against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.

It’s odd that the two forwards sat out the same 15 games, as Thornton served a suspension for confronting Brooks Orpik, whose hit concussed Eriksson.

The Bruins managed decently without the duo at first, but with losses in four of six and their defense ailing and/or having twins, their return will be welcomed that much more.

Eriksson, 28, has suffered through an injury-ravaged debut season with the Bruins, scoring 14 points in the 28 games he managed to play. Thornton, 36, may very well be in his last campaign with the Bruins. He said that he doesn’t want to change the way he plays despite that stern reprimand from the league.

The Bruins sent Justin Florek down to the AHL to make room for the two forwards.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins