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BOSTON -- For the past two days, the Boston Bruins insisted their late-season funk was in the rearview mirror. There would be no more blown leads in the third period and no more lackluster starts. The skilled and physical Bruins would return.

Well, the Bruins kept their promises as they overcame an early Toronto Maple Leafs power-play goal and scored the next four goals, dominating the Leafs 4-1 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

David Krejci had a goal and two assists, Wade Redden had a goal and an assist and Nathan Horton and Johnny Boychuk both lit the lamp for the Bruins. Tuukka Rask looked solid between the pipes, making 19 saves, with James van Riemsdyk’s power-play goal in the opening period the only shot that beat him.

For the Leafs, James Reimer was under siege all night as the Bruins poured 40 shots on him.

Lucic-Krejci-Horton line clicks again: One of the big question marks heading into this series was whether Milan Lucic, Krejci and Horton could find their magic again. If Game 1 is any indication, the band is back together and the magic is there. In addition to Krejci’s three-point performance and Horton lighting the lamp, Lucic had two helpers and continued to look more like the Lucic who used a combination of grit, size and skating to earn two straight seasons of 20-plus goals. The chemistry was back as Horton and Lucic got to open spaces to benefit from Krejci’s playmaking skills, and Krejci looked a lot like the player who was a candidate for the 2011 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Bruins defense provides offensive boost: Prior to Game 1, coach Claude Julien lauded Redden for his recent play and puck-moving skills. Redden continued to impress with his goal and an assist, but the Bruins' entire defense did a great job of moving the puck and creating offense in Game 1. In addition to Boychuk's goal, Bruins defensemen helped in peppering Reimer and controlling neutral zone play.

Power play looks better: While the Bruins’ power play (1-for-5) can certainly still be better, it did convert once and moved the puck a lot better. The passes were crisp, and there was less hesitation. If that continues, the scoring production will increase.

Suspension coming for Ference? Andrew Ference could very well be sitting out a game or more after elbowing Leafs forward Mikhail Grabovski in the head in the first period. No penalty was called, but the replay clearly shows an elbow to the head.

Bruins have two goals called back: Things could have been even worse for the Leafs if not for two Bruins goals being called back. The referees and replay officials got it right in calling back a Tyler Seguin shot that clearly rang off the post 1:10 into the second period. But Patrice Bergeron’s no-goal was a bit questionable as the referees claimed the whistle was blown before Bergeron pushed it into the net. But even if the refs were wrong, the rule states if they intended to blow it and didn’t do it in time, then it’s still not a goal.

Bad blood boils at end: In addition to Ference’s questionable hit to the head of Grabovski, there was plenty of hard hitting throughout the game. As time wound down in the third period and it was clear the Bruins would win, the Leafs decided to let the Bruins know they were still there, taking plenty of extra hits after the whistle and then stirring things up at the final buzzer. The result was a Chris Kelly-Leo Komarov fight. It should be a physical Game 2.

Hamilton and Peverley sit: Not surprisingly, Julien kept Dougie Hamilton in the press box as a healthy scratch. The defenseman struggled in his last few games of the regular season, and Julien seems to have opted to take the learning-from-up-top route he took with Seguin as a rookie to start the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs. While Rich Peverley might have had an off season, one would think Julien would prefer playoff and Cup experience in the lineup instead of an inexperienced Kaspars Daugavins. But it was Daugavins playing with Kelly and Jaromir Jagr for Game 1.

Here’s what the rest of the lineup looked like:

Forwards
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton
Brad Marchand-Bergeron-Tyler Seguin
Daugavins-Kelly-Jagr
Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton

Defensemen
Zdeno Chara-Dennis Seidenberg
Ference-Boychuk
Redden-Adam McQuaid

Goalies
Rask
Anton Khudobin

BOSTON -- Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton said Tuesday that he's hoping to return to the lineup in Wednesday's Game 1 of a first-round Stanley Cup playoff series versus the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Displaying his trademark smile throughout most of a lengthy media scrum, Horton indicated he is ready to play in his first game since suffering an upper-body injury in a fight with Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jarome Iginla on April 20.

"It's nice to be out there again," Horton said. "Working hard and I feel pretty good out there. I've been skating on my own every day, for four or five days now. I feel great."

Bruins head coach Claude Julien later termed Horton a game-time decision, but the excitement of likely playing had Horton beaming.

It would be his first playoff game since suffering a season-ending concussion in Game 3 of the 2011 Stanley Cup finals, which the Bruins went to win for their first Cup in 39 seasons.

Horton suffered another concussion in January 2012 and missed the remainder of last season, including the Bruins' first-round loss to the Washington Capitals.

Now Horton is chomping at the bit to help his team snap out of its current funk.

"Going through it and then sitting out last year, this is the time of year that you do want to play," Horton said. "The season definitely was hard on everyone this year, playing every other night for most of the year, but you play every night in the playoffs and still get up for the game because that's the way it is. Just excited to be back in it."

If Horton can play the way he was playing when he suffered his latest injury, the Bruins will get a much-needed boost with the physical style he brings.

"I thought he was playing really well before he was pulled out of the game," Julien said. "Since then, I think he's been really excited about coming back. He skated well today, so right now if he's good to go, I hope to see the same player that left the ice the last game he played."

Horton knows he can be better, and he wasn't making any excuses Tuesday. The rugged winger was asked if his contract situation -- he will be an unrestricted free agent on July 5 if the Bruins don't re-sign him before then -- played a role in his struggles this season.

"I'm not even thinking about that," Horton said. "Either way I'm just going to play hockey, so it doesn't really matter. I'll find out later what's going to happen and it's nothing that I'm thinking about right now."

He's focused on turning things around for his teammates and himself.

"It means a lot to me and I think it means a lot to everyone," Horton said. "Everyone didn't have their best season, including me. I think we're just looking forward to the new season, to the playoffs. This is when we have to be at our best."

BOSTON -- Bruins forward Nathan Horton (upper-body injury) skated on his own prior to the team’s morning skate Thursday as Boston prepares to host the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30 at TD Garden.

Horton will not be in the lineup against the Lightning and his status for the final two games of the regular season this weekend are also questionable.

“He’s still day-to-day and he skated this morning, so he’s on the right track,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien. “Day-to-day means he’s not in tonight, but we don’t know where he’s going to be by Saturday’s game, and the same thing with Sunday, so he’s progressing well.”

Horton suffered the injury during a first-period fight with the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Jarome Iginla last Saturday at the Garden.

Overall, Horton has 13 goals and nine assists for 22 points, including a plus-1 rating, in 43 games this season.

BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins need more from forwards Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton.

The team’s top-line wingers haven’t scored of late, and that has to change in order for the Bruins to remain successful in the second half of the season. Lucic has not scored since Feb. 24 at Florida. Horton’s last goal came on Feb. 28 against Ottawa, and he’s had just one assist since then, too.

Overall this season, Lucic has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points, while Horton has posted seven goals and five assists for 12 points.

Bruins coach Claude Julien wants to see a more forceful forecheck from the pair of wingers.

“I think they need to go back to their north/south game,” Julien said. “I don’t think there’s a single team in the league that likes to see Lucic forechecking, or going after a loose puck. Same thing with Nathan Horton. When he’s on his game and he’s committed to it, he’s another real physical player that can forecheck and put other teams on their heels.

"Those guys are better served when they play that way, and what that eventually does is back guys off, and when they back guys off then they’re capable of making plays like they had been just inside the blue line. But right now there doesn’t seem to be the intention of putting pucks in areas where those guys can use it to their advantage. They’re forcing plays a little too much in the neutral zone, which ends up being turnovers and not utilizing their strengths to their advantage.”

During his six-year career with the Bruins, Lucic has had a tendency to fall into a goal-scoring drought, and this season is no different. His current skid is nine games without a goal. His past scoreless skids per season are eight games (2011-2012), 12 games (2010-2011), 10 games (2009-2010), 15 games (2008-2009) and 20 games during his rookie season in 2007-2008.

BOSTON -- Patrice Bergeron scored the overtime winner with 1:21 left and Tuukka Rask made 30 saves as the Bruins won their fifth straight to pull into sole possession of second place in the Northeast Division. Nathan Horton had the other goal for the Bruins.

Ottawa got a goal from Jim O'Brien and a brilliant performance from goalie Robin Lehner, who made 44 saves.

Bergeron's grit gets winner: Bergeron's game winner typifies his all-around gritty style. Bergeron as always was down low, paying the price, and was in the right place at the right time to tip home the goal. Bergeron now has a goal and two assists in his past two games, and four goals and 10 assists on the season. But points are only half of arguably the best two-way player's game, which was on display once again Thursday.

Goalie duel: When eyeing this game on the calendar two weeks ago, fans may have been excited to see two early-season Vezina Trophy candidates go at it in Rask and Craig Anderson, but Anderson went down with a sprained ankle last week and instead it was Lehner who faced the Bruins Thursday. The Swedish netminder didn't disappoint, as he almost stole a win from the Bruins with some amazing goaltending. At the other end, Rask was excellent once again as he won his fifth straight start. Two of the biggest saves came in overtime as Rask made two huge stops on an Ottawa power play early in the extra frame.

Thursday night special for Horton: Last Thursday at Tampa Bay, Nathan Horton scored two goals to help his team to a 4-2 win. A week later Horton lit the lamp 5:48 into the second period for his seventh goal of the season. Horton now has three goals and an assist in his past four games, and he continues to have a solid comeback from his past two concussion-plagued seasons.

Lucic's hard work paying off: Milan Lucic might not be scoring goals at the pace fans would like, and he did take a penalty with 31.6 seconds left in regulation, but he deserves credit for how hard he's been working out there this season. Lucic has still been a physical presence and he is doing the little things to help create opportunities for his linemates. A perfect example of that was not just the assist he got on Horton's second-period goal, but what he did to start that play -- walking the blue line and saving the puck from leaving the offensive zone. Lucic now has a goal and two assists in his past three games, but it's the little things that have the big winger making a difference right now.

Penalty-kill streak snapped: The Bruins finally gave up a power-play goal after killing off 27 straight. O'Brien's power-play tally at 14:38 of the second period was the first power-play goal the Bruins allowed since Feb. 6 in a 2-1 win at Montreal. That was their longest streak since they killed off 28 straight from March 1-11 in 2007. Nonetheless, the Bruins came up big when it counted most, killing off a penalty to start overtime.

Letdown hits in second period: The Bruins outshot Ottawa 18-15 in the middle frame, but there were plenty of mental lapses coach Claude Julien couldn't have been happy with. Bad penalties (including the dreaded too many men on the ice), errant passes and a more passive approach in their own end made for a period they were lucky to come out of tied at 1-1. After the morning skate, Julien discussed the infamous letdown that hits teams in their first game back after a long road trip, and it appeared to plague the Bruins in the second period. Thankfully they recovered for the win.

Roster remains the same: There were no changes in the lineup Thursday as Julien kept his forward and defensive pairings the same. Here's what the lineup looked like:

Forwards
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Nathan Horton
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Tyler Seguin
Chris Bourque-Chris Kelly-Rich Peverley
Daniel Paille-Gregory Campbell-Shawn Thornton

Defensemen
Zdeno Chara-Johnny Boychuk
Dennis Seidenberg-Dougie Hamilton
Andrew Ference-Adam McQuaid

Goalies
Tuukka Rask
Anton Khudobin

BOSTON -- Speaking with reporters following Tuesday's 2-1 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins forward Tyler Seguin was asked how nice it was to have Nathan Horton back, not just on the ice but around the dressing room. Just as Seguin began praising the “always smiling” Horton, the big winger walked by.

“Look at him there! Look at those muscles and the tight shirts he’s wearing! The guy’s a beast!” Seguin exclaimed.

Horton laughed and asked, “Tight shirts?”

As Horton headed for the showers, Seguin continued.

“That’s just how the guy is. He’s always smiling,” Seguin said. “Obviously with what he’s been through and how he’s responded, even since the first day we all saw him and how big he was and how committed he is to this locker room, it really shows his leadership qualities and his passion and love for the game. So obviously seeing him do well, it’s awesome.”

To say Horton is playing well may be an understatement. With a four-game point streak (three goals, two assists) heading into Thursday’s game with division rival Buffalo, Horton has played well above expectations for his first six games after not playing since Jan. 22, 2012 thanks to his second concussion in a calendar year.

Horton was a hero during the Bruins' 2010-11 Stanley Cup championship season, his first with the Bruins after coming to Boston from Florida in June 2010. He followed up a 26-goal and 53-point season with a 17-point performance in the playoffs, including three game-winners, two of which were series-clinching goals.

But after helping the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1990 paving the way for their first Cup victory since 1972, Horton had to watch the finals from home and the TD Garden press box as he recovered from a devastating concussion in Game 3. But even in the immediate aftermath of the injury, Horton did his best to help motivate his teammates to victory.

Now, with his amazing start to this season, his teammates again are feeding off his play and ever-present positive vibes, something coach Claude Julien has taken note of.

“What he’s been through, starting back a few years ago with that hit in the finals and then to come back last year and going through that again, to see how he’s recovered and how well he competes, he’s going in the corner and he’s battling, he’s physically involved,” Julien said.

“We know he’s got good strength, he’s a great skater, great shot and he’s utilizing all his tools right now. Doesn’t seem to be anything holding him back. That’s pretty impressive because sometimes guys come back a little tentative. That’s not the case with Nathan. He’s been pretty poised and I think right now you’re seeing him at his best. We all know that he’s a machine. Doesn’t seem like he’s skipped a beat, he’s right back in great form and we’re feeding off him, no doubt.”

David Krejci is definitely benefiting from having his linemate healthy and back on the ice. Krejci, who also is carrying a four-game point streak into Thursday, seemed lost without Horton on his right wing for most of last season.

“It’s great to have him back,” said Krejci, who set up Horton with the tying goal late in regulation Tuesday. “I played with different guys a lot last year when he went down and we have so many guys that play the role, but Horty’s Horty. There’s no other Nathan Horton. No one can play like him, and it’s good to see him doing well and happy again.”

As Julien said, there always is uncertainty with how a player comes back from a concussion, let alone two in a year, as Horton has. Krejci was asked what he expected from his linemate coming into this season. The crafty playmaker didn’t hesitate in his answer.

“I never doubted him that he wouldn’t [be this good],” Krejci said. “I saw him in the summer, we skated together a little bit, he was in really good shape and, you know, he’s putting the puck in the net right now, so it’s good to see. Hopefully he’ll keep doing it.”

BOSTON -- After nearly a full calendar year without playing in a NHL game, Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton showed no ill effects Saturday night at TD Garden, helping the Bruins to a 3-1 win over the New York Rangers.

Horton last played on Jan. 22, 2012 after suffering his second concussion in a seven-month spa.

Horton proved to be in great shape and his performance never dropped off for the entire game. There are certain aspects where he needs to work on his timing, but overall, he played well long with his linemates David Krejci and Milan Lucic.

“I made a couple of mistakes, but I thought I was working hard and all this stuff is going to come,” Horton said. “But I did have a lot of fun out there and it’s definitely nice to be back.”

After the game, Horton admitted he was sore, but following a brief practice Sunday morning as the team prepares to host the Winnipeg Jets Monday afternoon at the Garden, Horton said his body quickly recovered, which is a good sign.

“Nathan was going into the corners, battling and he didn’t fear anything,” explained coach Claude Julien. “When a guy hasn’t played in a year for concussion reasons, those are good signs. Conditioning-wise, I think he did a great job of keeping the pace up from start to finish.

“Right now he’s skating and he’s going to get his opportunities. He seems focused. He seems really determined this year to come back and have a real good year for himself and for our team. He’s happy to be back and he’s in the right frame of mind.”

Horton was solid in all three zones and it was evident he was ready to deliver and receive contact. He was buzzing all around the ice and proved he’s healthy.

“I feel like I’m in good shape, Horton said. “My legs are moving. My legs feel good and I just need to keep on working on shooting the puck, but overall I feel really good.”

Adrenaline levels were high for players on both teams Saturday night, but that was especially true for Horton.

“I had a lot of energy in the third,” he said. “I was still enjoying myself. I just want to concentrate on moving my feet at all times, with or without the puck, and get in on the forecheck, fight for that puck and go to the net. I feel real strong, like I can stand in front of the net and people can’t move me. That’s where I want to be because that’s where a lot of the goals are scored.”

As part of our preview heading into the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, we've asked Joe McDonald and James Murphy to answer nine big questions (one per day) facing the Boston Bruins. Here's our Day 8 question:

What are your point predictions for the following: David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Nathan Horton, Dougie Hamilton?

Joe McDonald: Nathan Horton, David Krejci and Milan Lucic are all talented players with different, but complimentary skill sets.

It’s going to be interesting to watch the team’s top line produce in the lockout-shortened, 48-game season because it will be a sprint to the playoffs. First and foremost, in order for that line to produce, it will need to stay healthy. Krejci was the only one of the three to play overseas during the lockout, while Lucic and Horton remained in North America.

Krejci has the ability to dominate when it counts, so he should thrive in a shorter season. Look for him to notch 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points.

Horton hasn’t played in a NHL game since Jan. 22, 2012 after he suffered his second concussion in a seven-month span. He’s completely healthy now and in great shape. He hasn’t avoided contact during training camp and looks strong on the ice. He may get off to a slow start, but once he gets going he could easily score 19 goals, add 17 assists for 36 points.

Despite some early talk that Lucic is out of shape, the power forward is ready for the season. Since he did not play during the lockout, it will take him a bit more time to shake the rust off his game and that could hurt his offensive production from a statistical standpoint. He’ll finish the season with 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points.

Now let’s focus on rookie defenseman Dougie Hamilton. The 19-year-old blueliner will make the team and will be given every opportunity to succeed. During training camp, Bruins coach Claude Julien has the rookie paired with veteran Dennis Seidenberg. The pair is not set in stone, but Hamilton should get plenty of ice time once he gets used to the speed of the NHL game. He’s also been working on the second power-play unit which should give him a chance to produce on offense.

I actually picked Hamilton as my Calder Trophy winner as the league’s top rookie. While his goals (two), assists (15) and points (17) may not be eye-popping, I see an impressive plus-20 rating at the end of the season.

James Murphy: Here are my predictions for Krejci, Horton, Lucic and Hamilton:

Krejci: With his three-year contract that will pay him $5.2 million set to begin this season, and his name still a regular on the trade rumor circuit, one could say the pressure is on Krejci to produce. Since the 2008-09 season when he had 73 points, Krejci has had some inconsistent stretches and never become the 80-point player that many believe he can be. It obviously has to be noted that he was an absolute beast in the 2011 Stanley Cup run with 23 points in 25 games, but still, Krejci has yet to take that next step over the course of a full regular season. With a 48-game season upon us, we won't really be able to tell if that will happen, but expect Krejci to still put up some solid numbers this season. Maybe t pressure of the rumors, his contract and the short season, will be motivation for him to perform at the same level he did in the 2011 playoffs? Prediction: 15 goals, 31 assists -- 46 points

Horton: In 46 games last season -- albeit while still recovering from the concussion he suffered in the 2011 finals -- Horton had 17 goals and 32 points. Now, with a 48-game season, but a longer recovery period from the concussion he suffered last season in January, the belief here is that if healthy, Horton can be better than that. Horton is in top shape at camp and his timing appears to be there. The big test will be that first huge hit he takes in a real game and how the condensed schedule affects his durability. But if he passes those tests, Horton should be able to get back to being the power forward that helped the Bruins to the Stanley Cup in 2011. Prediction: 22 goals, 15 assists -- 37 points

Lucic: Lucic is another player that comes to camp armed with a new contract, though his begins next season. Still, the fact that the Bruins gave him $6 million per season for the three seasons after this one will put extra pressure on a player that has been inconsistent at times -- most notably in the playoffs the last two seasons. Factor in that there was plenty of buzz recently about Lucic not being in game-shape and the rugged winger could be in for a season full of scrutiny. But that being said, Lucic has delivered in both of the last two regular seasons with 30 and 26 goal seasons respectively so we know he can perform. I'd expect a slow start from Lucic based on the fact that he didn’t play at all during the locktout, but I think he'll get stronger as the season goes on, and hopefully for the Bruins he peaks in the playoffs. Prediction: 15 goals, 13 assists – 28 points

Hamilton: Hamilton enters his rookie season with plenty of hype and high expectations. The 2011 No. 9 overall pick has the potential to be a superstar defenseman with his 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame, and his puck-moving skills. But the question really is how will he handle the rigors of the NHL. Can he adjust to the speed of the NHL? Will a shortened 48-game season help or hurt him in that area? I believe if the Bruins approach his development the way they seem to be in camp and continue to pair him with a solid veteran like Dennis Seidenberg, Hamilton should handle the transition well and have a solid season. I also believe he will become an important part of the power play, an area the Bruins desperately need help in. Prediction: 4 goals, 14 assists -- 18 points

BOSTON -- It may have been just a scrimmage against his team's AHL affiliate -- and a 7-5 loss in which he had no points, at that -- but there was no wiping the smile off Nathan Horton's face.

The Bruins winger continued to look healthy and played like the power forward he and his teammates know he can be. Tuesday night was the closest Horton has been to game action since he suffered his second concussion in a calendar year Jan. 22, and Horton was thrilled to take another step toward a real NHL game. He'll get that chance on Saturday in the season opener against the Rangers, but for now he is just happy to be playing again.

"It was nice and it felt really good to be out there because it was different than anything else I've been doing," Horton said. "Scrimmages and a little shiny or practices, that's different than a game situation like this. It feels so good to be back. I have no worries and I just feel like myself. So I'm just trying to get back to where I need to be and move my feet as much as possible."

Most hockey players will tell you that the true test as to whether they're back to where they need to be following an injury is when they take that first big hit, and that is especially true for a player coming back from a concussion. Horton wasn't on the receiving end of any thunderous hits, but he did experience some solid contact and wasn't fazed by it.

"I got hit a couple times -- nothing big or anything -- and I'm not even worried about it or it didn't even cross my mind," Horton said. "If someone does hit me hard, that will be fine too."

Horton also liked the increased tempo of the game and felt he was able to keep up.

"I feel like I am in pretty good shape and that was a good pace because it's different than playing in practice or a drill," Horton said.

One of the most positive signs, though, both for Horton and his teammates, was that Horton again was having fun on the ice. As he pointed out, that can only lead to good things for his game and for the Bruins.

"I'm just going with it and not trying to think too much," Horton said. "I just want to have fun because when I'm having fun and smiling and enjoying myself is when things happen. So that's a good sign."

WILMINGTON, Mass. -- Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton has no limitations and he’s been able to participate in contact drills during the first two days of training camp.

It’s been almost a full calendar year since Horton suffered his second concussion in a seven-month span on Jan. 22, 2012. He was 100 percent healthy and prepared to start the season last September, but the lockout allowed him extra rest and he’s not experiencing any post-concussion symptoms.

“I’m not even thinking about it, if I get hit,” Horton said after Monday’s practice at Ristuccia Arena. “It doesn’t bother me.”

Horton has been skating on the team’s top line again, alongside center David Krejci and winger Milan Lucic.

“I’m glad he’s back and we can get the type of player when he was [healthy],” Krejci said.

Prior to his head injury last January, he had recorded 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points in 46 games, and he wasn’t even playing his best hockey. Now that he’s healthy, the Bruins expect a strong season from Horton.

“When he’s on his game, and he’s a big body, he can skate for his size and he can certainly shoot the puck,” said Bruins coach Claude Julien.

As part of our preview heading into the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, we've asked Joe McDonald and James Murphy to answer nine big questions (one per day) facing the Boston Bruins. Here's our Day 3 question:

How will Nathan Horton fare in 2013?

Joe McDonald: After he suffered a pair of concussions in a seven-month span, Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton is happy and healthy.

It's been almost a full calendar year since he last played in an NHL game, on Jan. 22, 2012, and he can't wait to cut some grooves in the Garden ice once the lockout-shortened season begins Jan. 19 when the Bruins host the New York Rangers.

Unless Bruins coach Claude Julien decides to change the line combinations, Horton should be back on the top unit with Milan Lucic and David Krejci. Horton is a major contributor offensively when he's playing his type of game. Before the injury last January, he had recorded 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points in 46 games, and he wasn't even playing his best hockey.

He participated in the team's captain's practice this week and showed no ill effects from the concussions. He said he's feeling the best he's ever felt and will not change his game or shy away from any contact. His teammates also know how important Horton's contributions will be for the success of this team.

It will take Horton a few games to get his timing back, but once he does, he should be on track for a solid season. That's his goal, and, as long as he can remain healthy, there's no reason to think he can't achieve that in 2013.

James Murphy: There are two ways to look at how the lockout affected Nathan Horton: Either the extra rest benefited him, or not playing for nearly a year created rust he will not be able to shake off fast enough in a 48-game season.

Although I believe that rust definitely will hamper Horton as the season gets under way, I also believe that would've been the case in an 82-game season that should've begun in October. There was going to be rust no matter what, and the fact that his body has had that extra time to condition will benefit him in my eyes.

Horton feeds off his physical game, and that definitely will be the telltale sign of whether he has fully recovered. But if he does pass the first few tests, I believe Horton can be the tenacious scorer he was in the 2010-11 season, when he netted 26 goals and had 53 points in 80 games and then eight goals and 17 points in 21 postseason games in the Bruins' Stanley Cup run.

His skill and size are still there, and that doesn't just go away. Concussions are always hard to come back from, but I expect a solid season from Horton. He'll help on the ice, and his presence around the team will be key to chemistry, too. His teammates are thrilled to have him back. That support can only help him work back to being the power forward who helped the Bruins win the Cup two seasons ago.

WILMINGTON, Mass. -- It’s been nearly a full calendar year since Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton has played in a NHL game after suffering his second concussion in a seven-month span on Jan. 22, 2012.

On Thursday, he was back on the ice with his teammates during an informal practice at Ristuccia Arena as the Bruins prepare for a seven-day training camp beginning on Sunday, followed by a lockout-shortened, 48-game season.

"I feel great,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of time to work out and get back to normal. It’s obviously been tough for everyone this year, it’s not the way anybody wanted this year to be, but I feel great and better than I have in a long time.

“At the end of (last season) I started to feel better and all summer I never had any issues with all my running and biking and skating. I never had a setback. I feel great and I’m pretty happy about that. It’s a tough thing to go through and it’s in the past now. I’m looking forward to being back and being around the guys again and having some fun.”

After he suffered a severe concussion in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals in 2011 and missed the remainder of the series, Horton suffered his second head injury during the second period of a game against Philadelphia on Jan. 22. He was on the receiving end of a late hit by the Flyers’ Tom Sestito. Horton stayed in the game for the remainder of the period but sat out the third. That was the last time he played.

“I didn’t (think it was serious initially). I think I got a headache right away,” he recalled. “Those things happen sometimes, but I’m not thinking about it anymore. All I’m thinking about is the road ahead and I’m looking forward to it.”

Horton said he was healthy and ready to play at the time the 2012-2013 season was supposed to start, in October.

“Definitely,” he said. “I was 100 percent back then. It seems so long ago, but with more time it’s obviously helped me, but I was fine back then, too.”

He decided to stay at home in Florida and not play overseas because he felt the lockout wouldn’t last as long as it did, plus the extended break gave him more time to rest.

“To be back to normal and feel like myself again makes me excited to be back,” he said.

While his teammates earned the Northeast Division title and were set to face the Washington Capitals in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Horton was on the verge of returning. At the time, however, Horton and team’s medical staff thought it best to pull the plug on his season. Boston lost that series in seven games.

Horton said it was difficult to watch from the outside.

"Definitely, especially with the year before and what we did as a team (winning the Stanley Cup),” he said. “Not being able to be around the guys at that special time of the year. I got one shot of it the year before, and obviously with one taste of it you want to keep going. I didn’t get to do that and I was pretty disappointed. It was a tough year for me. I’m happy to be back and I want to start it off right and hopefully keep moving forward.”

Even though Horton suffered a pair of concussions in a seven-month span, he doesn’t intend to change his style of play.

“I forgot about (the concussions),” he said with the smile. “This is the first time I’m talking about it because nobody has asked me. I haven’t thought about it. It’s way in my past. It’s not on my mind at all.

“The truth is, I really haven’t even thought about it. I’m not worried about my head. I’m not worried about being in contact, or getting into a fight or anything like that. It’s really in the back of my head. I’m looking to the future and haven’t thought about it. I feel better than I have in a long, long time. I’m just happy I feel good and it’s not even on my mind.”

His presence Thursday in the locker room and on the ice was welcomed by his teammates. The top-line winger’s production is important for the Bruins’ success and the players know it.

“He always has a big smile on his face and is always having a good time. He’s infectious in this locker room and he’s a great guy to have on the team,” said teammate Rich Peverley. “We’re a lot better team having him in the lineup and I think everybody knows that.”

Horton has not played in a competitive game in nearly a full year. He understands it may take a few games to get his timing back.

“Hopefully not too much,” he said. “Being around the guys here I’m going to keep working hard and work extra hard because I haven’t been able to play games. I think my legs will be there. Maybe I won’t carry the puck too much, just dump it in, get in and try to get at it. I feel good and I’ve been working really hard. I’ve been doing as much as I can.”

The Bruins have had little turnover on their roster since they won the Cup in 2011, and should be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. A healthy and productive Horton back in the lineup should help the team’s cause.

“We have so many great faces here, so many great players, good guys, good coaches, good trainers -- everybody. It’s nice to be around the guys and it’s fun to come to the rink when everybody gets along and everybody enjoys being around each other.

“I want to help out as best I can,” he said. “I think every year there are expectations at the beginning of the year, but coming in I feel good and I just want to get back to playing and enjoying myself. I really missed it.”

Boston Bruins winger Nathan Horton hasn't played an NHL game since Jan. 22, when he suffered his second concussion in seven months. But according to his agent, Paul Krepelka, Horton was ready to play if the NHL season had started on time and is chomping at the bit to get back on the ice and help his teammates should there be a 2012-13 season.

"Nathan is healthy and ready for the season to start," Krepelka said. "Has been for a while now. He's ready to go and has been ready to go."

Horton concussion problems started from a devastating open-ice hit he took from Vancouver defenseman Aaron Rome in Game 3 of the 2011 Stanley Cup finals. Horton missed the rest of the Bruins' seven-game, Cup-winning series, but after a solid summer of recovery he returned to the lineup and played 46 games. He scored 17 goals and had 32 points when he suffered his second concussion at Philadelphia.

(Editor's note: The second in our end-of-season report card series on the 2011-2012 Bruins.)

BOSTON -- On Friday morning, the Boston Bruins cleaned out their dressing room stalls, had their exit interviews with coaches and management and headed into a summer they never expected to come so early.

Instead of practicing and preparing for the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, they were still scratching their heads and wondering what happened. Did the defending Stanley Cup champions really just lose a seven-game series to the seventh-seeded Washington Capitals?

"To be honest I woke up yesterday and even again today feeling like it was just a dream," said winger Brad Marchand. "It's really weird to be done so early after how far we went last year. I think we're all still pretty shocked and wondering how that happened."

But it's no dream. There will be no Duck Boats rides through the streets of Boston with the Bruins hoisting the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy for adoring fans, as the Bruins did on a hot summer day last June. The reality is the Bruins didn't become first to repeat as Stanley Cup champions since the 1998 Detroit Red Wings.

Instead, it's time to regroup and look ahead to the 2012-13 season. On Friday, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli was already doing that, promising that while this team may have underachieved, he has no intentions of breaking up a core that won the Stanley Cup last June and has had only two first-round exits in the past five seasons.

"We obviously have some guys to consider whether we sign them or not," Chiarelli said. "From the makeover perspective, certainly we're not going to do anything to makeover this team. You hear me talk about the parity in this league and our first-round loss in seven games this year can be another Stanley Cup Final next year, it's that close. You saw the number of teams in the West; you kind of see the new four teams in the West and you see some different teams in the East so you just have to be prepared."

Chiarelli has seven unrestricted free agents in forwards Brian Rolston, Chris Kelly, Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille and defensemen Joe Corvo, Greg Zanon and Mike Mottau. The Bruins also have two restricted free agents with goalie Tuukka Rask and forward Benoit Pouliot. Chiarelli said he intends to sign Rask, and didn't rule out Pouliot. The GM said he remains in negotiations with Kelly, Paille and Campbell. Corvo told ESPNBoston.com that he is set on testing the free-agent market and doesn't expect to be back next season. Zanon and Mottau are still very much possibilities as depth defensemen, depending on how ready the Bruins believe their blue-line prospects like Dougie Hamilton, Torey Krug and Matt Bartkowski to be.

In addition to addressing his unsigned players, Chiarelli could look for help via trades or free agency. The Bruins could add some bodies up front for depth scoring after struggling to put the puck in the net against the Capitals.

"I'd like to maybe look at a forward to bolster our top nine, but that doesn't mean I'm going to not look at signing Pouliot," Chiarelli said. "It doesn't mean we're not going to consider [Jordan] Caron up there. I just want to look at the trade market and the free-agent market. And we got a couple of good, young players coming too. We got a good defenseman that I think will challenge for a spot like Dougie Hamilton. We got Torey Krug, Matt Bartkowski, and you've seen some guys that are going to challenge but on the major change front, I'm not looking at doing anything on that front. But I would like to add some pieces."

There are two things that Chiarelli must consider as he balances his salary cap while constructing the 2012-13 lineup: 1. the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement on Sept. 15, and 2. the health of winger Nathan Horton, who suffered his second concussion Jan. 22 (the first was in last year's Stanley Cup finals Game 3). After originally being diagnosed with just a mild concussion, he was never able to recover enough to return to the lineup.

"From an operational standpoint, for my perspective you throw 10 percent on your cap for summer cap accounting," Chiarelli pointed out. "There's going to be a bump in the cap by all accounts because of the growth and revenues and I have to be careful, and I have to try and look in crystal ball-gaze a little bit where we think it will end up. So I have to be cautious as far as summer additions."

Leading into the trade deadline on Feb. 27, Chiarelli was still under the impression that Horton would return shortly. The GM is on record as saying he did search for depth scoring, but there was not as much urgency since he believed Horton was coming back. On Friday Chiarelli was asked if that approach would change in the offseason because of uncertainty.

"I approach it as he's going to be back and healthy, and in a month that may change, but based on the information given now that's my approach," said Chiarelli. "Based on my observation I'm making, that's my approach. Based on what Horton has told me, that's my approach. I consider him an active player for us and when we make our assessments and when we make our decisions that's how we approach it."

So while players, fans and media alike remain stunned at the Bruins' early exit from the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, it appears the GM is once again remaining calm and keeping things in perspective. Chiarelli surely didn't want to be holding his end-of-season news conference on April 27. But if he didn't blow up a team that blew a 3-0 series lead to the Flyers in the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals, don't expect him to blow up the core of a team that is only a year removed from a Stanley Cup.