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Boston Bruins Daily Report: Resting Up Before Thursday’s Showdown

By Dan Watkins

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 07: Boston Bruins Right Wing David Pastrnak (88) clears the puck away from Pittsburgh Penguins Right Wing Daniel Sprong (41) during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins on January 7, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Bruins 6-5 in overtime. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 07: Boston Bruins Right Wing David Pastrnak (88) clears the puck away from Pittsburgh Penguins Right Wing Daniel Sprong (41) during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins on January 7, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Penguins defeated the Bruins 6-5 in overtime. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Coming off another thrilling comeback victory, the Boston Bruins coaching staff elected to have an optional skate Wednesday at Warrior Ice Arena. The Pittsburgh Penguins come into town on Thursday.

"I think the best thing for us, about the game is to measure where we’re at. This is the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions playing very well, a lot of people say trending towards a third, it will be a good measuring stick for our hockey club to see where we’re at."

Those were the words uttered by Boston Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy Wednesday morning. Giving the team an optional day as they get ready to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday night at TD Garden. The teams have met twice this season, with each franchise taking one contest, both were thrilling one-goal games.

Boston Bruins
BOSTON – FEBRUARY 10: Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy talks to the team during a time out late in the third period. The Boston Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden in Boston on Feb. 10, 2018. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

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As Cassidy mentioned, the Penguins are “trending” towards that third spot in the Metropolitan Division. Winning 11 out of their last 15 and currently sit two points behind the even hotter Philadelphia Flyers (9-0-1 in their last 10) for first place. They have dropped their last two games however, and the Bruins will look to pounce if they’re still reeling from their recent losses.

The Penguins did make a few moves at the Trade Deadline, most notably acquiring Derick Brassard from the Ottawa Senators. He will be centering the team’s third line, and has 38 points (18-20-38) in 59 games this season.

We all know that Pittsburgh have three different forward lines with a superstar anchoring each. Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel and Sidney Crosby are to no ones surprise the top three scorers on the team respectively. Cassidy will be using different match-ups throughout the night in an attempt to limit the trio’s scoring chances.

How to Stop the Penguins Attack

That’s a tough task to begin with, in addition to the absence of Patrice Bergeron who is out for at least two weeks. Perhaps one way the Bruins will look to shut them down is to make a lineup change and get bigger defensively. Newly acquired defenseman Nick Holden (6’4″, 215lb) is a much bigger body than Matt Grzelcyk (5’9″, 174lb), a substitution I believe the coaching staff is considering.

When asked if there’s a chance Holden will be making his debut Thursday night, Cassidy responded “There is, tomorrow is more of a possibility than yesterday.”

Next: Must have Patrice Bergeron items

That’s not exactly a yes, but it’s not a no either. Holden has been with the team for a week now, Cassidy said when he was acquired that he needed a few practices before seeing game action. He’s had a week’s worth, now is the time to integrate him, and see what he brings to the lineup. He’s played the last few seasons in Pittsburgh’s division, so the familiarity level is there. Thursday is the perfect time for him to make his Bruins debut.

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