Advertisement

Bruins’ Nathan Horton in for Game 2 vs. Blackhawks

As Nathan Horton was questionable with a lingering shoulder injury for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, his linemate David Krejci knew one thing.

“This is the final and Horty’s been there before and he knows how it feels when you get hurt and you can’t finish it off,” said Krejci. “He’s going to do everything he can to finish this series off.”

Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves: The Bruins have a long way to go before they can think about finishing off the Chicago Blackhawks, down 1-0 in the series heading into Saturday night’s Game 2. But having Nathan Horton flanking Krejci, the playoffs’ leading scorer, would certainly help them achieve that objective.

So, good news, Bruins: Horton said on Saturday that he’s been cleared medically and will play in Game 2.

How effective can he be? Horton’s played with a separated shoulder since it was injured in a fight with Jarome Iginla on April 20. It’s popped out and been popped in over several occasions, and he’ll likely need offseason surgery.

Despite that, he’s the second-leading scorer in the playoffs with 18 points and a massive plus-22, as the Bruins’ top like of Horton, Krejci and Milan Lucic are the top three point-getters in the postseason.

Will the Blackhawks target him? Horton expects it. But Chicago should expect more fireworks from the HuLK Line as well.

NHL video from Yahoo! Sports:

Related coverage on Yahoo! Sports:
Bruins defensemen try to shake off stunning Game 1 collapse
Award winners for Hart, Calder spoiled by TSN sleuthing
Alain Vigneault turns down Stars, likely headed to Rangers