Per coach Bruce Cassidy, Backes (leg) looks "good to go" for Thursday night's game against the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Backes is thus slated to skate on the Bruins' third line Thursday, along with Danton Heinen and Riley Nash. In his last game, March 17 against the Lightning, Backes notched his 12th goal of the season (in 50 contests). In his anticipated return to action Thursday, the 33-year-old power forward will provide the Bruins with a welcome dose of size and grit up front for the team's key Atlantic Division showdown against Tampa Bay.

Backes (leg) skated with Danton Heinen and Riley Nash during Thursday morning's line rushes.

EDGE Analysis

While not yet confirmed, it appears as though the power forward is poised to return to action Thursday night against the Lightning. Backes is bouncing back from a right leg laceration that he suffered March 17, which required 17-18 stitches. Prior to that, the 33-year-old had logged 12 goals and 28 points in 50 games.

Backes (leg) skated once again Wednesday, Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

The same applies to fellow injured teammates Jake DeBrusk upper body), Charlie McAvoy (knee) and Zdeno Chara (upper body), with GM Don Sweeney suggesting that the four players are "closer than farther away." That blanket statement doesn't provide a specific timetable for Backes' possible return, so we'll consider the power forward day-to-day in advance of Thursday's game against the Lightning.

Backes (leg) skated on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

It has already been confirmed that Backes, who needed 17-18 stitches to close a cut on the back of his right leg March 17, won't play Tuesday night against the Jets. Consider Backes day-to-day as Thursday's contest against the Lightning approaches, but we doubt we'll see him return to game action that quick. In other news, the veteran power forward -- who has logged 28 points in 50 games to date -- has been named the Bruins' nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded annually to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey."

Backes (leg) could resume skating Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Backes, who required 17 stitches to close a cut on the back of his leg that he sustained on March 17, won't play Tuesday against the Jets, but he's inching closer to a return to action and has yet to be ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lightning.

Backes, who required 17 stitches to close a cut he sustained Saturday night against the Lightning, expects to be back in action in the next 5-to-10 days.

EDGE Analysis

Backes, who didn't skate with the B's during Tuesday's practice, fortunately avoided serious damage when a skate blade hit the back of his leg Saturday night, but the veteran forward still needs to proceed cautiously in order to avoid any sort of infection during the wound's healing process. Backes has notched 12 goals and 28 points in 50 games this season, to go along with 49 PIM, numbers that help out in deeper fantasy formats, but what can't be measured statistically is his leadership ability and the degree of veteran grit he brings to a forward unit that has absorbed some youngsters this season.

Backes (laceration) isn't expected to play on the upcoming road trip, Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backes reportedly talked his way on to the trip because he has family expected to be in town when the team goes to St. Louis and Minneapolis, but Conroy labels him doubtful to make an appearance in a game. The veteran forward remains a staple in the top six despite a decline in production since coming over from St. Louis. Assuming he sits out the entire trip as expected, Backes' next opportunity to return would arrive March 29 against the Lightning. However, the Bruins may approach his return cautiously to ensure he's healthy for the playoff run.

Backes (laceration) will be sidelined for a couple games, and was re-evaluated Sunday by the medial staff.

EDGE Analysis

After Backes received roughly 18 stitches following the laceration he suffered Saturday, it was always unlikely he'd be able to return to the action without sitting out first to recover. The good news is Backes has avoided any structural damage, and Friday against Dallas should be his first potential return date. David Krejci figures to slide into his role of centering the first line and first power-play while he remains out.

Backes avoided structural damage after getting cut by a skate in Saturday's game against the Lightning, Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to Joe McDonald of BostonSportsJournal.com, the veteran said that he's OK, despite requiring what coach Bruce Cassidy estimated was around 18 stitches after he was cut by Lightning forward Yanni Gourde's skate while Backes fell into the net. This is great news for Backes and his fantasy owners, who can now hold out hope that he'll be good to go Monday against the Blue Jackets.

Backes sustained a laceration above his right knee in Saturday's game against the Lightning, and he won't return, NBC Sports Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was a freak accident during the first period that saw Lightning forward Yanni Gourde's skate blade catching Backes in a spot that wasn't protected by any type of padding. The veteran wasn't able to put any weight on the injured leg, as he quickly skated toward the locker room using only his left leg. Backes is sure to be reevaluated ahead of Monday's home game against the Blue Jackets.