A Bruins team desperately trying to claw back into playoff positioning may not have McAvoy for the final stretch of regular-season play.

Bruins coach Joe Sacco said he "wouldn’t expect (McAvoy) in the short-term" as the franchise defenseman remains hospitalized.

Introduced as a “special guest” by Team USA head coach (and his father in-law) Mike Sullivan, McAvoy — sporting a sling on his right arm — earned a round of applause from his teammates after entering the room.