TORONTO – A couple of the walking wounded may be returning for Game 4 of the Bruins playoff series as both John Moore (upper body) and Marcus Johansson (illness) made it through a full team practice, and are expected to suit up on Wednesday night. Johansson skated left wing on the third line with Charlie Coyle and Danton Heinen during Tuesday afternoon’s practice at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Marlies, and it looked like Moore would be naturally subbing in for Steve Kampfer on Boston’s third pairing.
Moore has missed more than three weeks with his injury and would be making his B's postseason debut if he suits up for Game 4.
“[Johansson] made it through practice and gave a little bit extra, so he’s obviously feeling better. It looks like he has some color again. But until he shows up tomorrow healthy he’ll be a game-time decision, but it’s encouraging at least that he’s working with the group,” said Bruce Cassidy. “[Sean} Kuraly will not go in [for Game 4]. He’s not ready to play yet. He’s still working on it. John Moore went through the whole practice wearing a normal-colored jersey. So it’s encouraging again. If he goes through tomorrow with no ill effects then he could be a game-time decision as well.”
Johansson said it was really bad timing to fall sick right during Stanley Cup Playoffs and didn’t even fly to join the team until Monday afternoon after missing the last two postseason games.
“I feel a lot better,” said Johansson. “I just got sick real bad. There’s not much you can do about it. It is what it is… just bad timing. It’s not a fun part of the year to get that, but I’m feeling better now. So I’m good to be here with the team and skate.”
Connor Clifton also returned to practice with the Bruins on Tuesday, but the B’s rookie defenseman was in a no-contact jersey and didn’t appear likely to be drawing back in to Game 4.
Boston Bruins
Here are the line combos and D-pairings from Tuesday’s practice with David Backes appearing to be odd man out up front, but Cassidy was quick to stress that the B’s wouldn’t be making that decision until game time:
Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak
DeBrusk-Krejci-Kuhlman
Johansson-Coyle-Heinen
Nordstrom-Acciari-Wagner
Chara-McAvoy
Krug-Carlo
Grzelcyk-Moore
Rask
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.