Bruins' static attack expected to receive boost

It appears the Boston Bruins will pack a greater offensive punch on their two-game trip through the Sun Belt prior to the holiday break.

David Pastrnak, the breakout forward who owns a greater chunk of his team's total output than any player in the NHL, is expected back after using a two-game absence to clean out his elbow.

In addition, Frank Vatrano - the goal-per-game scorer in the American Hockey League last season - appears ready for his season debut.

Officially, both are "highly likely" to play against the Florida Panthers, according to coach Claude Julien.

Vatrano skated on a third-line unit with Austin Czarnik and Riley Nash at the morning skate Thursday.

He missed the first two-and-a-half months of the season after having offseason surgery on his foot.