Charlie McAvoy’s second setback in what’s become an injury-plagued year appears to be nearing its end, as McAvoy was back on the ice in Brighton on Wednesday and is considered a possibility for Saturday night in Toronto against the Maple Leafs.
“He’s progressing well,” Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy, who called McAvoy a ‘full go’ on Wednesday, said. “[Thursday] morning we’ll find out if there’s any setbacks. If not, then Saturday becomes a reality. He’s not gonna play [Thursday], but that becomes a target date. We’ll see how it works out.”
???? Charlie McAvoy addresses the media to talk about the cut/infection that has caused him to miss the last six games: pic.twitter.com/cYI5hVhKnw
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) January 9, 2019
After missing 20 games with a concussion earlier this season, McAvoy returned to the lineup and skated in 10 games and was just beginning to find his groove before a blocked shot tagged him in a tough spot on the ankle.
A few stitches took care of McAvoy and he would skate in the Black and Gold’s next three games, but it was during the team’s holiday break that an infection developed and required some antibiotic care from the B’s medical staff.
It’s knocked McAvoy on the shelf for the last six games, including the 2019 NHL Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium, but appeared to be a mere waiting game given the bacterial nature of McAvoy’s ailment.
“It’s good to be back just skating with the guys and put that behind me and continue to feel better every day,” McAvoy said after Wednesday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena. “My antibiotics ran their course probably a couple days ago and that’s when I was able to get back on the ice. My cut was really pretty big. You didn’t want to have it in a skate, a place that carries around so much bacteria.
“Our doctors and trainers did a phenomenal job really playing this one safe and being on top of it. I’m very fortunate to always have them looking out for my best interest.”
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