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

The Bruins have not had Lindholm and McAvoy anchoring their D corps together since the former suffered a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues.

Boston Bruins forward Charlie Coyle sent interim coach Joe Sacco a strong message about one of the youngest promises on the roster, who plays alongside him and Brad Marchand.

BOSTON — Charlie Coyle is only wearing a letter on his jersey ... Brad Marchand and Elias Lindholm each scored empty-netters to create breathing room late. Joonas Korpisalo made 25 saves ...

Charlie Coyle scored ... and Elias Lindholm added empty-net scores for the Bruins to close out the win, which was Boston's third in the last four games. Coyle recorded an assist on Lindholm's ...

Coyle scores twice in the third period and Boston continues its dominance of San Jose. BOSTON — Charlie Coyle scored ... and Brad Marchand and Elias Lindholm added empty netters.

This is exciting news for the Bruins, as Lindholm and McAvoy are two of their top defenders. Skating in regular jerseys is a major step in the right direction for the pair. However, they won't be back in the lineup just yet, as head coach Joe Sacco said they won't be options against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 28.

The up-and-down Boston Bruins remain squarely on a crowded playoff bubble in the Eastern Conference. Team president Cam Neely has acknowledged that a “retool” could be on the table between now and the March 7 trade deadline.

Conor Ryan of Boston.com: Ryan writes that the Boston Bruins have options on the table. The Bruins still compete for a playoff spot and the third in the Atlantic. But this is not a position they have been in for a long time. Being in the cluster of the mirky bottom of the East puts Boston in a unique situation.

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

Former Ottawa Senator Joonas Korppisalo pitched a shutout against his old team and the Bruins won 2-0 t the Garden.

Thursday, 7 p.m., TD Bank Garden TV: TSN5 Radio: TSN 1200 Odds : Ottawa -260 Bruins +205 WE MEET AGAIN What can the Senators and Bruins do for an encore? To call the Senators’ comeback 6-5 shootout victory over the Bruins to kick off Hockey Day in Canada last Saturday at the Canadian Tire Centre wild would be an understatement.