Bruins get some good news on the COVID front
Almost two weeks after landing on the NHL’s COVID list, Bruins forward Sean Kuraly was dealt good news Wednesday, with his name officially removed from the list and Kuraly back on the ice for a full practice with his Bruins teammates.
Out of action for the last five games, Kuraly first started skating on Monday, so it hasn’t been a full 13-day absence from the rink for the 28-year-old Kuraly. But given Kuraly’s game — the Bruins want Kuraly to drive his defensive-zone play with energy, pace, and a high motor — Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy knows a simple jump back in may not be wise.
“We’ll discuss it internally,” Cassidy said of Kuraly’s potential return to the lineup. “Should he go in [on Thursday]? Or is he better off skating tomorrow, getting a good practice and then going in Saturday? Those are things we’ll have to look at.”
With Kuraly out of action, the Bruins have rotated centers on their fourth line, beginning with taxi squader Greg McKegg, and continuing with Jack Studnicka and Trent Frederic most recently. But Boston’s most recent fourth-line look, which featured Frederic between Anton Blidh and Karson Kuhlman, was on the ice for two goals against on Tuesday night.
Kuraly has two goals, four points, and 51 hits in 25 appearances this season.
But Kuraly’s good news didn’t spread like the coronavirus, as his protocol tag team partner for the last two weeks, Jake DeBrusk, remained on the list and out of practice Wednesday. It’s not all bad for DeBrusk, however, according to Cassidy.
“[DeBrusk] was in [Wednesday morning], smiling and happy to be back with the guys,” Cassidy offered. “He was limited, obviously, by the NHL’s protocols [with] what he can and can’t do, but he’s getting closer. So that’s good.”
The Bruins host the Penguins on Thursday night.
