Bruins forward Craig Smith expected to play Game 3 vs. Islanders after battling lower-body injury
The Boston Bruins second line will receive a jolt on Thursday night following a Game 2 second-round loss to the New York Islanders on Monday.
Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said Wednesday that he expects Craig Smith to play Game 3 at Nassau Coliseum, according to Joe McDonald of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.
Smith missed Game 2 with a lower-body injury and returned to practice on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old joined the Bruins on a three-year, $9.3 million deal ahead of the 2020-21 campaign. He tallied 13 goals and 19 assists in 54 regular-season games and has one goal and two assists in six playoff games.
Smith has played a vital role in helping turn around the Bruins second line alongside David Krejci and Taylor Hall. The trio has played very well together, owning a 3.09 expected goals for per 60 minutes in the playoffs thus far.
The Bruins and Islanders are tied 1-1 in the best-of-seven series.
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