Boston Bruins early morning ice time – October 5, 2017 edition

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 3: Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy talks to his players near the end of practice during media day at the Warrior Ice Arena in Boston, Oct. 3, 2017. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 3: Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy talks to his players near the end of practice during media day at the Warrior Ice Arena in Boston, Oct. 3, 2017. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Bruins open their season tonight.  The NHL regular season kicked off last night.  What’s in the news for the hometown team and the league?

Boston Bruins
BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 25: Patrice Bergeron /

More from Causeway Crowd

  • Should Boston Bruins fans be concerned?  Patrice Bergeron once again missed practice.  He hasn’t had a meaningful day of skating in practice in several days.  What does that mean for the season opener?  NBC Sports Boston
  • David Backes also misses practice due to illness.  Will the Bruins be down another veteran to open the season?  WEEI
  • Goaltender Malcolm Subban joined defenseman Colin Miller and radio play-by-play announcer Dave Goucher as Bruins assets acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights.  Another in a long line in poor asset management?  Chowder and Champions
  • Do you know someone who does good for their community and improves the lives of others.  Considering nominating them as a Community Playmaker.  Boston Bruins

Around the league…

WINNIPEG, MB – OCTOBER 4: William Nylander
WINNIPEG, MB – OCTOBER 4: William Nylander /
  • This just in:  the Toronto Maple Leafs can score.  The young guns Matthews, Nylander, and Marner, and the old dog Marleau channel their inner Argonauts, and put up a touchdown against Winnipeg to open the season.  Sportsnet
  • Steve Mason…whoa.  It’s only one game, but 5 goals on 20 shots is not the way to endear yourself to your new fanbase.  But was the loss all his fault?  Craig Button says no.  TSN
  • The reigning Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins raised their 2nd championship banner in a row.  NHL Video
  • After the banner was raised in the PPG Paints Arena, however, last season became a memory, and the St. Louis Blues decided to crash the party.  Pensburgh
  • Connor McDavid is an absolute freak of nature when it comes to hockey.  And his partner in crime, Leon Draisaitl?  He’s pretty good, too.  The duo combined for the Oilers first goal of the season.  Oh, and McDavid added two more for good measure.  NHL Video
  • Not to be outdone by McDavid, Wayne Simmonds had himself a game to open the season.  Sportsnet
  • Doc Emrick is one of the best on-air talents in all of sportscasting.  His words and tribute for the recently deceased Dave Strader was hauntingly beautiful.  NHL on NBC Twitter
  • The NHL youth movement continues like gangbusters.  The 2017 draft has produced 6 players who made their teams’ opening night roster.  Who made it?  NHL

Next: Zdeno Chara and the Hall of Fame