Marc Staal, Bruins defensemen might return

Four key defensemen missed Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between the Rangers and Bruins, and some could be back before it ends.

Staal who skated in an optional practice at TD Garden Friday, played 17 minutes in Game 3 against the Washington Capitals, then suffered a setback, pulled himself out of the lineup for Game 4 and hasn't dressed for a game since.

Staal, who still has blurry vision and some difficulties in depth perception, has no timetable. He was not available to the media Friday but has described himself as day-to-day.

For the Bruins, who didn't skate yesterday, Andrew Ference, Dennis Seidenberg and Wade Redden are sidelined, but Bruins coach Claude Julien did not rule out the chance of one or more playing in Game 2 Sunday.

"A little early to say," Julien said. "Again, it is two days [off], and two days in the playoffs makes a big difference as far as getting guys back. There's a possibility, that much I can say."

Both teams have full practices scheduled for Saturday.