42 David Backes RW

Bruins' David Backes: Snags helper

Backes is expected to hold on to his spot in the lineup for Saturday's Game 5, Conor Ryan of MassLive.com reports. Considering the winger served as a healthy scratch for five straight games prior to Game 4, he will likely be on a short leash. Still, if Backes can continue to fill his role as a depth scoring option, he should be able to hold off Karson Kuhlman.

Bruins' David Backes: Slotting in for pivotal Game 4

The Bruins have struggled to generate traffic in front of Sergei Bobrovsky since their victory in Game 1, so they'll hope Backes will be able to join the action after being scratched for five consecutive contests and establish himself as a dominant net-front presence. The veteran winger will skate with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk on Boston's second line Thursday.

Bruins' David Backes: Will dress Saturday

Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy will insert Backes into the lineup, hoping the veteran's presence provides a jolt to his club, as a loss in Game 2 would put Boston behind the eight ball. No word yet on where he'll skate in Boston's lineup, but Backes will likely occupy a bottom-six role. In 67 career playoff games, the 34-year-old has scored 15 goals to go along with 19 assists.

Bruins' David Backes: Could draw in Saturday

Backes was a healthy scratch for Game 1 on Thursday -- the first time in his career he has been a healthy scratch in a postseason game -- but it looks like head coach Bruce Cassidy is contemplating a return to the lineup for the veteran. Backes has 34 points in 67 career playoff games, including three in 12 games last season.

Bruins' David Backes: Lights lamp Sunday

Backes' goal gave the Bruins a 3-2 lead at the time, but they were unable to hold off what became a five-point night from Red Wings winger Anthony Mantha. Backes has 20 points in 67 games this year. With four games left, it's possible, albeit unlikely, he reaches his previous career low of 23 points, set in his rookie season of 2006-07. He does have 132 hits and 122 shots on the campaign, which has salvaged a little value in deeper formats, but the days where Backes would reliably top 50 points are a thing of the past.