WILMINGTON, Mass. – Bruins forward Marc Savard returned after missing seven weeks with a concussion and scored in overtime to win a playoff game. Philadelphia’s Simon Gagne came back after missing four playoff games with a broken toe and also scored a game-winner.

Boston defenseman Mark Stuart came back from a monthlong layoff and struggled to stay on the ice in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Flyers — sitting out overtime, when Gagne scored to help Philadelphia avoid a four-game sweep.

As the best-of-seven series heads back to Boston for Game 5 tonight, the Bruins are hoping for more from Stuart and the other players who are returning from injury to make up for the guys they’ve lost in two physical series so far.

“He’ll be ready to go for the next one,” Bruins forward Shawn Thornton said of Stuart, who hadn’t played since April 1 because of an infected finger. “He’s hard on himself, because he demands so much from himself.”

Stuart played just 9 minutes, 46 seconds in Game 4, when he rushed back to replace injured rookie Adam McQuaid.

Stuart didn’t get off a shot or get credited with a hit in the game; he did tip Chris Pronger’s goal into the Bruins net in the second period, and he finished with a minus-2.

The Flyers won 5-4 on Gagne’s goal at 14:40 of overtime — the mirror image of Game 1, when Savard’s comeback keyed Boston’s overtime victory.

“It was kind of the same game, but you reverse the two roles there,” Bruins forward Milan Lucic said after the team worked out Sunday. “It has been definitely an emotional roller coaster.”

The celebration over Savard’s return in Game 1 was tempered when Marco Sturm tore the ligaments in his right knee in the first shift and was lost for at least six months. And though Stuart returned, he couldn’t make up for the loss of David Krejci for the rest of the playoffs with a dislocated right wrist.

Boston could get more help from defenseman Dennis Seidenberg, who was expected to be done for the season with a lacerated tendon. He was on the ice Saturday — skating alone with a coach — and hopes to return if the Bruins advance.

“Every time you could have guys that you missed from the injury, it’s always a plus,” Gagne said.

“I just try to go out and do my best, maybe I got lucky on this one but I don’t know. It was good timing.” 

THE BRUINS are unveiling a statue of Bobby Orr in his defining moment.

The bronze sculpture depicts the most beloved player in team history flying through the air with his arms outstretched after scoring the goal that clinched the 1970 Stanley Cup championship against the St. Louis Blues. It’s scheduled to be unveiled today outside the TD Garden.

The ceremony comes on the 40th anniversary of the goal.

Orr is expected to attend along with Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, Boston Mayor Tom Menino and some of Orr’s teammates.

The 600-pound statue is 110 percent of life size.

It was designed by renowned sports sculptor Harry Weber. It will be on permanent display outside the arena.

 

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