Sure, the Boston Bruins were without three of their top defensemen – Charlie McAvoy (wrist), Hampus Lindholm (knee) and Brandon Carlo (ill) – but Boston’s overall defense was terrible during a 7-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres Tuesday at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

The McAvoy family grew after Charlie McAvoy’s wife Kiley, gave birth the couple’s first child on Sunday morning.

The Bruins have not had Lindholm and McAvoy anchoring their D corps together since the former suffered a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues.

The Bruins are set to receive a lift in the coming days, as Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy were regular participants in practice Monday.

Charlie McAvoy’s injury won’t keep him from playing in the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off for Team USA.

This is exciting news for the Bruins, as Lindholm and McAvoy are two of their top defenders. Skating in regular jerseys is a major step in the right direction for the pair. However, they won't be back in the lineup just yet, as head coach Joe Sacco said they won't be options against the Buffalo Sabres on Jan. 28.

The Bruins host the Jets on Thursday. Lindholm, who is currently on Long Term Injured Reserve has been out since suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 12 against the Blues. McAvoy had been out since Jan. 11 with an undisclosed injury.

The good news for the Bruins is that three of the next four games will be at the oh-so-friendly Garden. The bad news? Those opponents they’ll face on Causeway Street are no pushovers. That starts on Thursday with the Western Conference-leading Winnipeg Jets,

A debate has arisen regarding whether the Boston Bruins should demote top defenseman Charlie McAvoy once he returns to the lineup. Charlie McAvoy has been out of the lineup since Jan.

Will remain sidelined Tuesday

Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm both returned to Bruins’ practice on Monday. Neither will play on Tuesday at Buffalo, but their return signals a significant step in their efforts to return to the lineup.

Hampus Lindholm, out since Nov. 12 with a lower-body injury, was also a full participant in practice for the first time since going down in St. Louis after taking a shot off the knee. Like McAvoy, he will not travel to Buffalo but is closing in on a return to game action.