Boston Bruins: David Backes is back and so is Tuukka Rask

The Boston Bruins are giving Rask another shot and David Backes has made a speedy recovery after having a piece of his Colon removed

In a true testament to the toughness of hockey players, Boston Bruins center  David Backes will be returning to the lineup just 27 days removed from having 10 inches of his colon removed.

Backes was expected to be out eight weeks after having surgery due to Diverticulitis, but he slashed that in half.

"“That’s the delicate line you tiptoe on,” Backes said. “Pushing the envelope so you can get back as soon as you can, but not pushing it too far and reinjuring things and having setbacks and lengthening your term of play. I’ve had great doctors and great medical staff that have been advising me along the way with great communication, and whenever my body said let’s go and do more, they’ve given me that leash.”"

Bruins fans have to respect the recovery that Backes has made amidst the teams struggles so far this season.  The Bruins definitely need his physical style of play to energize the team after a disappointing effort on Sunday. They lacked energy and the great style of play we have seen on their four-game winning streak.

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With the Bruins continuing to get bit by the injury bug it is good to see Backes return.

(Also: Brad Marchand and Ryan Spooner fully participated in practice. Marchand is a game-time decision for tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.)

Tuukka gets another try

The Boston Bruins also announced today that Tuukka Rask will be starting in net tonight. I love Tuukka and think when he is performing to his potential he is a great goaltender, but his performance this season is far from that.

This season there have been far too many cheap goals. With Anton Khudobin riding a four-game winning streak he seems to be the obvious choice. How long will the Bruins wait for Rask to get it together?

Next: Boston Bruins: Players to be thankful for this season

We will see how Rask and Backes perform when the Bruins play the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at TD Garden