Bruins Injury Report: Krug and McAvoy Won’t Play Sunday; Kuhlman, Blidh Progressing

Boston Bruins defensemen Torey Krug (upper-body), who remained on injured reserve and Charlie McAvoy (upper-body) who is listed as day-to-day, missed Bruins practice Saturday after not playing in the Bruins’ 3-0 win over the Sabres in Buffalo Friday night. Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy told the media Saturday that while both defensemen were feeling better, they will not play Sunday night in the tail end of the home-and-home set with the Sabres at TD Garden.

“They’re not gonna play tomorrow – which we didn’t expect,” Cassidy said. “We thought originally day-to-day, probably meant a couple of games. My guess is next week we’ll probably have a better idea when they’re on the ice. I think they both may skate [Sunday] or Monday, probably not with the team, but at least get out there and see how they progress.”

Krug leads all Bruins defensemen in scoring with five goals and 26 assists while McAvoy has yet to light the lamp this season but does have 13 helpers and had been playing a much better all-around game prior to getting injured last Monday in a 7-3 win over the Washington Capitals.

Kuhlman, Blidh Progressing

Bruins forward Karson Kuhlman – who suffered a hairline fracture in his right tibia over two months ago – is getting closer to a return. While Kuhlman remained on injured reserve, he did practice with his team for a second straight practice and this time he was wearing a full-contact white practice jersey. 

“Getting better, kind of taking it day by day right now,” Kuhlman told reporters after practice. “But definitely progressing in the right way. Being off the ice for such a long time, it takes a little bit to get the cardio back. But I thought we did a great job in the weight room and also progressing on the ice here to help me get back to 100 [percent] as quick as I can.”

Cassidy expressed cautious optimism when discussing the potential of a return to the lineup soon for Kuhlman who suffered the fracture back on October 19 when he took a Jake DeBrusk shot off his right leg. 

“He’s not full-go yet. He’s full practice mode with his jersey,” Cassidy said. “He’s getting contact in now, but he’s not ready to play games yet.”

The Bruins bench boss also hinted at some games down in Providence (AHL) so Kuhlman can get his timing back before joining the big club and said the team may do the same with fellow forward Anton Blidh (ligament surgery) who practiced again but also remains on injured reserve. 

“We’d have to evaluate that, what’s best for him and the team,” said Cassidy of a potential conditioning stint in Providence for Kuhlman and Blidh. “I would say – Blidh as well – guys that haven’t been up here most of their career would typically go play some games to find their timing. I would put Kuhlman and Blidh in that category, but when they’re ready if we’re short guys here then who knows? Or if we’re unhappy…but I would be surprised if they didn’t go start there for at least a little bit.”