Bruins' Chara to face Devils after 19-game injury absence

Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara will return to the lineup Thursday against the New Jersey Devils, head coach Bruce Cassidy announced.

The 41-year-old Chara missed the past 19 games with a knee injury.

In that time, the Bruins went 10-7-2 and find themselves in the first Eastern Conference wild-card spot, three points back of the Buffalo Sabres for third in the Atlantic Division.

Cassidey also announced that forward Jake DeBrusk, who missed the last nine games with a concussion, and defenseman Kevan Miller, who missed the last 13 contests with a throat injury, will also return against New Jersey.