More good news to go around for the Boston Bruins after Wednesday night’s win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team has yet to be a full strength, that could soon change.
It was an optional skate Thursday morning for the Boston Bruins following their 3-2 victory Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Everyone who played Wednesday participated, which pleased Head Coach Bruce Cassidy.
"“I’m just pleased that the guys who came in last night came in this morning, with other than the normal bumps and bruises, there were no lingering effects.” Said Cassidy, “That’s good, so now we can move on to the guys were trying to get back into the lineup.”"
Of the injured skaters, David Krejci (upper body), Anders Bjork (upper body) and Adam McQuaid (leg) all skated at one point. Jake Debrusk (upper body) was the only one absent.
Krejci, who skated briefly before the rest of the team hit the ice is still considered “day to day” by the coaching staff, who will have a better idea on his status for Saturday’s game against the Flyers after Friday’s practice.
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Bjork is “progressing well” according to Cassidy and there is potential for him to suit up Saturday.
McQuaid, who skated for the second time since breaking his leg, still hasn’t fully participated in practice yet, even in a non-contact jersey so he is still a few weeks a way.
Cassidy wouldn’t fully rule out Debrusk, who hasn’t skated all week for Saturday, but, he didn’t sound too optimistic.
No decision has been made yet as to who will be the starting goalie Saturday in Philadelphia.
Reasons to Smile
Wednesday’s win for the Bruins was huge as if the season ended today the team would be in the playoffs, and the two points earned last night jumped them up to third place in the Atlantic division.
We have yet to see this team at full strength this season. If you remember back to opening night against the Nashville Predators, Patrice Bergeron was out and the injuries began to pile up shortly after.
Bruins fans should be pleased with where the team is in the standings at this point, with an 11-8-4 record thru the first 23 games. Of those 23, Bergeron and Krejci have only appeared in six of them together, going 5-1-0 averaging 3.3 goals per game, which is better than the league average of 2.9. Defensively when their top two centers are both playing they’re allowing just 2.3 goals per game (league average is also 2.9).
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In the 17 games with only one or neither of the two forwards playing, the Bruins are 6-7-4 averaging just 2.5 goals and giving up 3.2 per game. If the Bruins are to keep climbing up the standings, having both players active will be crucial.