Ryan Fitzgerald returning to form after a tough break

Providence Bruins forward Ryan Fitzgerald was in the midst of his best year as a professional. The Malden Catholic and Boston College product had 26 points (7 goals, 19 assists) and earned a spot on the AHL All-Star team as Providence’s lone representative.

Things took a wrong turn on Jan. 5 in Springfield — home of this year’s AHL All-Star Classic — as Fitzgerald suffered a bad break both figuratively and literally.

An arm injury derailed Fitzgerald’s fantastic season, forcing him to skip the All-Star festivities and possibly even a recall opportunity during the recent string of Boston callups. Fitzgerald missed the ensuing 11 games before returning to the P-Bruins lineup on Feb. 8 against…