“He’s a good player, we miss him,” said Cassidy, stating the obvious following the team’s practice Monday. “Practice today felt great, so he’s traveling with us, obviously. Could play tomorrow. … I’m not saying he will, but he’ll make that decision in conjunction with the medical staff, maybe as early as tomorrow after morning skate. So I would assume he’d be a game-time decision tomorrow.
“I suspect if he doesn’t play tomorrow, Thursday will be a real good day.”
Pastrnak last suited up Feb. 10 against Colorado, where he was held scoreless over 20:42 of ice time. Later that night, he fell while walking out of a sponsorship dinner and injured his left thumb. The club announced two days later that his injury would require surgery. He has missed the team’s last 16 games.
Pastrnak was having a career year prior to the injury. In 56 games, the right wing netted 31 goals and 35 assists with a career-high 29 points on the power play. How he will play when he returns is anyone’s guess since he is a right-handed shot, meaning his left hand is his top and controlling hand.
One thing is certain: Pastrnak will be reunited on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. The line was dominant before Pastrnak’s injury, and rejoining the trio is a “comfort level” for Pastrnak, noted Cassidy.
The Bruins are embarking on a four-game road trip in which the 2014 first-round pick could return Tuesday against the Islanders or Thursday in New Jersey. With 10 games remaining, Boston sits four points ahead of Toronto in the battle for home-ice advantage in their expected first-round Atlantic Division matchup.
