Bruins' David Backes set to return after having part of intestines removed

The Bruins forward is expected to make his return ahead of schedule Wednesday when the team hosts the Lightning, coach Bruce Cassidy announced.

Backes, who last played on Oct. 30, has been sidelined since having surgery less than a month ago to remove a portion of his colon due to an intestinal condition. He was initially expected to miss eight weeks as he recovered from the procedure but is healthy enough to return sooner.

Backes was previously hospitalized at the start of the season but played five games before requiring surgery for diverticulitis earlier this month.

Boston will get another boost with the return of fellow forward Brad Marchand after he missed the team's last 10 games with a number of injuries. He remains the Bruins' second-leading scorer with eight goals and seven assists in 14 games after leading the team in goals and points the last three seasons.