The Boston Bruins blue line will receive a much-needed boost Tuesday night when Brandon Carlo returns to game action against the New Jersey Devils at TD Garden.
Carlo has not played since March 5 when Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson hit him hard along the boards. Wilson made contact with Carlo's head, which resulted in the B's defenseman immediately leaving the game and not returning. Wilson was suspended seven games by the NHL as a result of the hit.
Carlo, as you might expect, is pretty pumped about getting on the ice again.
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"I got cleared yesterday. They kinda asked me if I felt like I would need a little time for the rust and everything, but I'm super excited to get back to playing in the lineup," Carlo said in a Zoom call Tuesday.
"Any chance I was going to have where they would allow me to pop back in there I would take. I've had enough of the viewing party from Level 9 and I'm excited to get back out there, try to help and be an energetic voice on the bench."
How does Carlo feel about the hit from Wilson?
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"I think that particular player, he plays the game hard," Carlo said. "I respect the way he plays the game hard. Do I think it was necessary for him to follow through in the area he did? Not really, but overall, the game happens fast and things happen fast. I've been in that position as well, trying to hit somebody. I'm not going to say he meant to go right through my head. I think he's just trying to finish the play and finish me in the d-zone.
"Unfortunately, I didn't see him, I was involved with another player and I was trying to grasp where the puck was. That's all I kinda remember from it, aside from seeing it on video. It all happened fast. I don't have any ill-will or anything toward the player, I'm just ready to get back in the lineup."