If the Bruins are going to lock down one of the eight playoff seeds in the East, the hope rests largely on Charlie McAvoy's broad shoulders, along with those of Hampus Lindholm.

Mason Lohrei’s has seen extended icetime this year. The ups and downs have been predictable, but he hopes they will be beneficial in the long run.

The Bruins are set to receive a lift in the coming days, as Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy were regular participants in practice Monday.

While speaking with reporters following practice, Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm shared that he does not believe he will return to the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets on Jan. 30. View the original article to see embedded media.

The Boston Bruins are reeling after a 7-2 drubbing at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. However, on Wednesday, there was encouraging news about the return of one of the team’s top two defensemen.

Lindholm remains on long-term injured reserve and will miss his 35th straight game against Buffalo on Tuesday. However, he is progressing toward a return. Lindholm has three goals, seven points, 35 shots on net and 17 blocked shots across 17 appearances this season.

Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm both returned to Bruins ... and that it wasn’t gonna be a problem for that,” the Boston Bruins defenseman told reporters after Monday’s practice.

The Boston Bruins had practice on Jan. 27, and it was a notable one for the Original Six club. Both Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy practiced in regular jerseys with the Original Six club for the first time since being injured.

Sure, the Boston Bruins were without three of their top defensemen – Charlie McAvoy (wrist), Hampus Lindholm (knee) and Brandon Carlo (ill) – but Boston’s overall defense was terrible during a 7-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

The Bruins, back in the playoff hunt after a 5-1-1 stretch, take on a Sabres team at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Bruins defenseman Michael Callahan more than held his own in his second career NHL game, helping Boston beat the Senators.