Krejci (Upper Body) Practices; Still Could Play Thursday Against Lightning

After playing just seven shifts and 4:43 in his team’s 4-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks Monday, Boston Bruins center David Krejci (upper-body) practiced with his teammates for the first half of practice Wednesday at Warrior Arena in Brighton. Following practice, head coach Bruce Cassidy told the media that Krejci – who already missed the season opener with what was believed to be a groin injury – still could play Thursday night at TD Garden against the Tampa Bay Lightning, despite not being able to make it through the game Monday and practice on Wednesday.

“I’d put him at day-to-day,” said Cassidy of Krejci who wore a red non-contact jersey at practice. “I won’t rule him out [against Tampa Bay] but I’m not going to say he’s definitely in.”

When Krejci departed practice Wednesday, center Charlie Coyle – as he did in the game Monday – jumped up into the second line pivot slot skating between wingers Jake DeBrusk and Brett Ritchie.

Miller Getting Closer

Cassidy also informed the media that injured defenseman Kevan Miller (knee) – who skated with Krejci prior to practice Wednesday, is getting closer to a return.

“I don’t know if it’s two [days] on, one off, or what they’ve got him on,” Cassidy said. “But he’s getting closer. Until he’s with the team, it’s hard to project [a return date]. Let’s get him with the team, get him in a normal sweater, get some contact and I’ll probably have a better timeline of when he can return. So far so good, he’s working hard on the drills he’s been given.”

Here’s what the lineup looked like on Wednesday:

Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk – Charlie Coyle – Brett Ritchie
Danton Heinen – David Backes/Par Lindholm – Karson Kuhlman
Joakim Nordstrom – Sean Kuraly – Chris Wagner

Zdeno Chara – Charlie McAvoy
Torey Krug – Brandon Carlo
Matt Grzelcyk – Connor Clifton/Steven Kampfer

Tuukka Rask

Jaroslav Halak