Krejci Progressing Well, Could Return For Weekend
BOSTON (CBS) -- David Krejci has been skating on his own over the last week, but joined in with his Bruins teammates for Tuesday's morning skate at the TD Garden.
Krejci, sidelined since suffering a partially torn MCL in his left knee nearly a month ago, said Tuesday was just another step in his return to the ice.
"I feel pretty comfortable that I'll be back pretty soon and I can still play a bunch of games, so that should be enough to get myself ready for the playoffs," Krejci said from the Bruins dressing room.
The Bruins' top line center didn't have a timeline for his return, saying, "Whenever I feel 100 percent, I'll be back."
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Bruins head coach Claude Julien sounded confident that Krejci will be back sooner rather than later.
"He's progressing well," Julien said Tuesday. "I don't know exactly how close he is. Is he a possibility for the weekend? I think the earliest would probably be the weekend."
Krejci suffered the injury back on February 20, and the initial diagnosis carried a 4-6 week recovery. The Bruins have a pair of games in Florida this weekend, with a Saturday night tilt in Sunrise against the Panthers and one Sunday night in Tampa Bay against the Lightning.
Boston has played well with Krejci absent from the lineup, posting an 8-2-1 record since he went down. Boston's top line has found some success with Milan Lucic playing alongside Ryan Spooner and Davis Pastrnak, leading to a tough decision for Julien when Krejci does return.
The head coach said Tuesday that he's spoken with Krejci about what line he'll play on when he does return, but that's something that could change.
"I could tell you something today and change my mind tomorrow," Julien told reporters. "I've thought about it and it's not easy. Guys in the lineup are playing well, so you've got to make a good decision. It's not a decision I'm ready to make today."
True to form, Krejci said he's open to playing anywhere -- just as long as he is helping his team win.
"For me, I'm just going to work hard and once I get back I'm going to try to fit in and play well," he said.
In 38 games this season, Krejci has scored seven goals while dishing out 19 assists.
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