Back in Black (and Gold)

After passing his final neuropsych tests, Marc Savard
is now cleared to practice with the Bruins. 

          Bruins center Marc Savard may have finally turned the corner on his long and arduous comeback from post concussion syndrome. After suffering a devastating, cheap-shot to the head courtesy of Penguins goon Matt Cooke last season, Savard missed nearly two months before returning in epic fashion to score the game-winning overtime goal against the Flyers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. For those of you who might have forgotten, bask in the thrilling nostalgia one more time by playing the video posted below.

          But just as the Bruins tanked against Philadelphia, surrendering a 3-0 lead in the series and a 3-0 lead in Game 7, at home nonetheless, the news got worse during the nightmarish offseason when reports surfaced that Savard began suffering from post concussion syndrome. He had paralyzing migraines, couldn't sleep and didn't even have the energy to get out of bed. As a result, he missed all of training camp and still has yet to appear in a game this season. More than just a hurdle to overcome, it appeared that Savard's concussion had put his career in jeopardy.

          Not so. Yesterday, Savard returned to Pittsburgh and received what might be the greatest news of all. He passed his final tests at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

          "It was really a great day," Savard told the Boston Globe yesterday. "What a facility they have there in Pittsburgh for that stuff... I went through testing all day. [They] said I passed with flying colors. So that made me feel really good."

          The 14-year veteran is now cleared to practice with his teammates for the first time since last season's tragic playoff collapse. It might take a week or so for Savard to return to game shape, but for now he's on the right track. For Black and Gold fans, this is music to our ears. Welcome back, Savvy.