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While their teammates hit the dressing room, Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron, Aaron Ward, and Andrew Ference lined up on the blue line. With taps on his stopwatch, Boston Bruins assistant coach Doug Houda prompted each player to kick off his sprints between the blue line and red line.

Fortunately for the Bruins, the four core players are healing. In all likelihood, however, none will be in uniform until after this weekend’s All-Star break, according to the Boston Globe.

"I’ll be skating over the break, just making sure that I don’t lose what I’ve gained," said Ference. "So hopefully, shortly after the break. It’s been baby steps lately. But how long is the break? Five days? In five days, you can accomplish a lot."

Ference (tibia), Lucic (shoulder), and Ward (charley horse) traveled with the team to Toronto yesterday. They will participate in today’s morning skate at the Air Canada Centre, but Ference will not play. Lucic said it’s still a possibility, but he has yet to endure all-out, full-contact drills since injuring his shoulder against Ottawa Jan. 8. He will not compete in Saturday’s YoungStars Game in Montreal.

"Just being safe," Lucic said. "It would have been great to be part of it once again, especially with the 100-year anniversary of the Canadiens. It [stinks] that I have to miss it, but I got to experience the game last year."

Ward is probably the closest to returning of the injured players, but the Bruins might be hesitant to send him out against the Maple Leafs, considering he’s aggravated injuries twice this season by returning too soon.

Bergeron (concussion) didn’t make the trip, remaining home to work on his conditioning.

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