The Boston Bruins are expected to get their captain and most valuable player back in the lineup Thursday night when they play the New York Islanders on the road.
Patrice Bergeron has missed the last three games with a head injury he suffered versus the Pittsburgh Penguins last week.
"When I hit my head there on the boards and got tangled up with (Sidney Crosby), I got a laceration on the back of my head and needed time to get some stitches. It was swollen, so I just needed some time to get back, I guess."
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Bergeron also said he did not suffer a concussion, and that his time off the ice was to allow the cut on his head to heal properly.
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The B's captain returned to practice Wednesday as he prepares for game action.
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"Looked good. Ready to go. He should be in tomorrow," Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters. "He'll play with with (Taylor) Hall and (David Pastrnak)."
Bergeron is having another fantastic season at 36 years old. He's tallied 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 43 games, while also ranking among the favorites for the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward.