(Photo Credits: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

By: Liz Rizzo | Follow me on Twitter @pastagrl88

The Boston Bruins announced an update this afternoon on right-winger David Pastrnak in regards to his recent thumb surgery. General Manager Don Sweeney stated that the 22-year-old Czech-native will be in a cast for two more weeks, at which time he’ll be re-evaluated. If all goes well, Pastrnak is expected to be fitted with a splint and “it will be a matter of comfort” for a return tot he lineup.

“He’ll be in a cast for two more weeks. An then after that-he started skating today-after that he’ll be fitted for a splint and it’s just a matter of comfort, when he’s able to be most comfortable. He won’t have any restricitons at that point and time” -General Manager Don Sweeney

At this morning rushes, Pastrnak skated for the first time without holding a stick. Team doctors have been pleased with the progression and it was previously reported that Pastrnak has been in good spirits following the surgery.

With their top scorer out of the line-up, the team had to adopt a “next man up” attitude. Boston has seen a recent surge of offensive plays from their second-year players such as Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen. The Bruins have closed out a very successful western trip and enjoyed a seven-game winning streak. Boston luckily has not lost their step without number 88. Without Pastrnak, the Bruins have seen their scoring go from 2.88 goals per game to 3.66. The boys in Black and Gold have also posted a 5-0-1 record sans Pasta and are on a 13-game point streak.

Pastrnak has missed six games with the team since his thumb surgery on February 22nd-an injury stemming from an accidental slip after an event. Pastrnak still leads the team with 31 goals and is second in points (66) behind Brad Marchand (who has 71 points). Boston is second in the Atlantic Division with three points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

(Photo Credits: The Sporting News/Getty Images)

As far as when Pastrnak is looking to get back on the ice, Sweeney had this to say to the media:

“I mean clearly he’s going to be working with a splint or brace, so it’ll be a level of difficulty. But he’s a tough kid that wants to play hockey and you aleady saw him skating today. And first thing he said to me is, ‘I’ll be back sooner than what anybody expects.’ I think he’ll be perfectly fine. It’ll be different because he’s had a procedure done. But he’ll get past that, he’ll be fine. I spoke to the doctors today and he feels good about where David’s at.”

As he continues to recover from surgery, today’s acquisition of New Jersey Devils’ forward Marcus Johansson will hopefully add some more production to the top-lines.

“…I think for us Marcus represents a lot of versality and production in a top-nine role, and thats something that we felt coming down the stretch that we still could use that.” -General Manager Don Sweeney

The Bruins end February at home when they face the San Jose Sharks and the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have dominated the league with an unprecedented 98 points, so far. With 20 games left to the season, the Bruins will hopefully see the return of their star-winger sooner rather than later.

Enjoy some “Pasta” highlights:

Check out the available tickets from our advertising partner SeatGiant for your next Boston Bruins game. Click the link below, and when purchasing any event ticket, from the NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL to concerts and shows, please use discount code BNGP to save a little money. Thank You!

Click Here For The Boston Bruins 2018-19 Regular Season Schedule and Ticket Info From SeatGiant.com