Johnny Boychuk a Game-Time Decision, Adam McQuaid Ruled Out for Game 1 Against Capitals

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Apr 11, 2012

WILMINGTON, Mass. –- The Bruins wrapped up their final practice before the postseason Wednesday at Ristuccia Arena.

Once again, defenseman Johnny Boychuk and goalie Tuukka Rask were on the ice with their teammates. But only Boychuk is expected to have a chance to be in the lineup for Game 1 against Washington Thursday at the Garden.

Boychuk, who missed the final two games of the regular season with a mild left knee sprain, will be a game-time decision.

"You keep seeing Johnny and Tuukka out there and they're doing much better," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "Obviously with Johnny we have an opportunity maybe to make a decision [Thursday]. Again, specifying an opportunity, [he's] not a 100-percenter. He's feeling fairly good, so we want to remain optimistic with him."

Rask, who has not played in a game since suffering an abdominal/groin tear on March 3 against the Islanders, is progressing in his recovery as well, but has not quite reached game-time decision status.

"If there is, I haven't been told," Julien said of the possibility of Rask being cleared to play Thursday. "Unless somebody tells me something [later Wednesday] or [Thursday] morning, I guess I don't anticipate having him in the lineup [Thursday]."

If Rask remains out, Anton Khudobin will dress as Tim Thomas' backup to begin the series.

The Bruins also expect to be without at least one defenseman. Adam McQuaid did not practice again on Wednesday and will not play in Game 1. He remains out with an upper-body injury suffered on a hit into the boards by Washington's Jason Chimera when the clubs last met on March 29.

"McQuaid didn't skate again [Wednesday]," Julien said. "So he's certainly not going to be part of our lineup [Thursday]."

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