Hampus Lindholm’s return bodes well for Bruins beleaguered D corps

Hampus Lindholm had missed eight of Boston's last nine games. AP Photo/David ZalubowskiHampus Lindholm could only watch as the Bruins’ defensive structure — tabbed as one of the pillars of strength on Marco Sturm’s roster this season — crumbled over the last few weeks.

A lingering lower-body injury, suffered during Boston’s home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 9, sidelined the 31-year-old blueliner for eight of Boston’s previous nine games entering Tuesday’s home matchup against the Islanders.

In those eight games, the Bruins went 2-6-0, relinquishing 4.25 goals per contest. But as Lindholm watched his team fumble pucks in the D zone, the desire to return to the ice was…