Bruins’ Zdeno Chara, Jake DeBrusk, Kevan Miller return from injuries

Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara celebrates. (Winslow Townson/AP)

The Boston Bruins‘ back end just got plenty more intimidating, as Zdeno Chara is set to return to the lineup following a 19-game absence.

Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters in Boston that Chara will play Thursday against the New Jersey Devils and that he would be joined by fellow blueliner Kevan Miller and forward Jake DeBrusk.

Chara has been out since sustaining a knee injury in a Nov. 14 game versus the Colorado Avalanche.

Miller last suited up on Nov. 26 when he took a puck to the throat in a game against the Maple Leafs. DeBrusk had been in concussion protocol since Dec. 8.

Chara, 41, was paired with 24-year-old Matt Grzelcyk during Boston’s morning skate with Chara’s usual partner, Charlie McAvoy, out with a lower-body injury. Miller skated beside John Moore on the Bruins’ third pair, while DeBrusk was on the team’s second line with David Krejci and Danton Heinen.

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