Bruins notes: Bergeron, Backes possibilities to return Thursday

Patrice Bergeron (lower body) and David Backes (diverticulitis) both practiced with the team on Tuesday at Warrior Ice Arena and are possibilities to return to the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Canucks.

"I feel like everything's getting better now and I feel stronger on the ice, more comfortable, so hopefully game action is closer rather than later," Bergeron said.



Bergeron was wearing a red no-contact sweater and centered Brad Marchand and Anders Bjork. Backes was on a line with Riley Nash and Tim Schaller.

Ryan Spooner and Adam McQuaid, both of whom were injured during Sunday’s 3-1 to the Golden Knights, did not practice on Monday and were scheduled to be re-examined in the afternoon. If McQuaid is not able to play on Thursday, Paul Postma will be inserted into the lineup.

"He's been here and he's been working hard," said Bruce Cassidy. "He'd be the first option, or we look at Providence. Paul's worked hard and we have no issue putting him in the lineup. He's played 200 games in the league."

Also, the Bruins assigned forward Danton Heinen and Austin Czarnik to Providence. During the team’s recent road trip, Heinen was one of the better and most consistent players on the ice.

"He did play well and did what was asked of him, did his job," Cassidy said. "Right now we feel that some guys are getting closer, so we'll see. If they're not ready by Thursday then maybe we'll see Danton again, but that's a decision we'll have to make as we get closer to Thursday.

"I think he's in a good frame of mind. No one is happy about being sent down, but he understands now what it takes to play in the league and what he can bring."