BOSTON — Tuukka Rask is one step closer to returning to the lineup.
The Boston Bruins netminder practiced on Friday and head coach Claude Julien said that Rask will travel with the team as the B’s continue their four-game road trip in Detroit.
Julien liked what he saw from Rask at practice, but was cautious when asked about whether he will get the start against the Red Wings.
“He looked good to me (Friday),” Julien said. “But we’ll make that decision (later). I think since we’ve gone this far, we’re going to wait to make the right decision.”
One Bruin who will not be traveling with the team is David Backes, who underwent elbow surgery earlier this week. Julien did say that Backes could rejoin the team later on during the road trip.
“He’s not scheduled to leave with us (Friday), but that doesn’t mean he won’t be on the trip,” Julien said.
This is an important stretch for the Bruins, who face off against three consecutive Atlantic division opponents beginning Saturday and try to snap a three-game losing streak. After playing the Red Wings on Saturday, the B’s will square off against the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning next week.
The daunting schedule, however, doesn’t intimidate Julien and the Bruins, who are 2-2 on the road this season.
“I’m excited to get on the road again with this team,” Julien said. “(We have to) approach it like we did the first road trip of the year. Our guys were excited to come out of there with a successful record. That’s what we have to do.”
Watch the video above as NESN.com’s Michaela Vernava delivers the Toyota Practice Report for more on the Bruins’ practice Friday.
