Providence players tested in Edmonton.
Dec 10, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Boston Bruins right wing
Reilly Smith(18) and center
Ryan Spooner(51) celebrate Smith
The Boston Bruins have accrued points and casualties these last few games. They have seen contempt from some team’s fans and honored respect from others. They’ve lost a third of their team to injuries, but thanks to the Bruins system, the Providence players have gelled well into the Boston ranks, and even helped put up the game winning goal in Calgary on Tuesday.
The Calgary Flames welcomed home their old captain Jarome Iginla, as he took to the Saddledome’s ice for the first time in a different jersey. Tonight, the Bruins get to have another warm reunion. Andrew Ference, former alternate captain of the Bruins is now the Captain of the Edmonton Oilers. Here is a little clip from the Bruins site on their latest stop on their long Canadian road trip (Boston Bruins).
The injury list is still pretty extensive for Boston: Chris Kelly (tibia) and Loui Eriksson (concussion) are out on injured reserve. Dougie Hamilton and Daniel Paille are back in Boston with their injuries. While Adam McQuaid has started skating again, he won’t be ready for tonight. The Providence players have done a bang up job filling in so far. The flu bug apparently is still among the team. Tuukka Rask was sick, and a local college’s goaltender got to call to come in and fill in for practice.
Both teams are going to be young, talented, and occasional accident prone with the puck. It should be a very interesting and spirited contest between the teams. It could also be a very high scoring one.