Backes returns for Bruins after 5-game absence

David Backes will be back in the Boston Bruins lineup Saturday against the New York Rangers, the veteran forward confirmed with NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin.

Backes has been absent the last five games after undergoing surgery to clean up an injured elbow.

Boston was kept under two goals per game in Backes' absence, but did collect three wins on the back of Tuukka Rask.

The former St. Louis Blues captain had two goals and four points in five games before his procedure.