WILMINGTON, Mass.Johnny Boychuk missed Tuesday nights tilt against the Ottawa Senators with a mild concussion after taking a Chris Neil monster truck hit last weekend in Ottawa. But it appears as though Boychuk is on the mend.
A source close to Boychuk told CSNNE.com that the Bruins defenseman passed a stationary bike test on Tuesday that was designed to elevate his heart rate. He was expected to skate this morning on his own at Ristuccia Arena.
The 29-year-old defenseman might miss Thursdays game against the New Jersey Devils while the Bruins make sure that the cobwebs are clear, but it looks like Boychuk is going to be back much sooner than some expected.
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Claude Julien had indicated all along that Boychuk was being considered day-to-day, and it looks like he's in line to make a quick return to the Bruins' lineup.
In the meantime, Boychuks absence gives the Bruins a chance to work Mike Mottau and Greg Zanon into the lineup. Zanon is expected to be ready to suit up for his first game Thursday night against the Devils in another potential Eastern Conference playoff preview.
Andrew Ference skated in Boychuks place alongside Zdeno Chara in Tuesday nights 1-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators.