The Boston Bruins will get a significant boost to their lineup in Thursday night's pivotal Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena.
Matt Porter of the Boston Globe shared a picture of Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy arriving to the arena a few hours before puck drop. He later reported that McAvoy has cleared the NHL's COVID-19 protocol and will play.
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SIGN UP HERE McAvoy was a surprise scratch from Sunday afternoon's Game 4 because he had been placed in the COVID protocol. The Bruins, despite being without McAvoy and star defenseman Hampus Lindholm (upper body injury), still beat the 'Canes 5-2 to even the series at two wins apiece.
McAvoy is one of the top five or seven defenseman in the entire league. He's a two-way superstar and plays for the Bruins in all situations. McAvoy's return to the lineup likely will result in Josh Brown exiting the lineup.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.