The Bruins hope to begin their Thanksgiving celebration with a win over the Detroit Red Wings tonight (Wednesday), by stuffing the Wings as they end their four-game road trip. With a decimated roster that is highlighted by an injured defense corps, the team will then limp home for one day of rest, before returning to the ice to host the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins (1-7-2 last 10 games) on Friday (7:30 p.m.). The Bruins blueliners continue their efforts to rehab their way back to the lineup, Kevan Miller, out for over a month since blocking a shot with his hand, is the only returnee who may be back on the ice to play in Detroit. Both Charlie McAvoy and Urho Vaakanainen suffering from concussion symptoms, are already practicing with the team, but not expected to play in Detroit, and are questionable at best to be back for the weekend with games against Pittsburgh on Friday, and in Montreal on Saturday.
The loss of Bruins captain Zdeno Chara for 4-6 weeks due to a knee-injury (MCL) is a void that will be tough to fill, but the youngsters coach Bruce Cassidy has inserted on the blueline have filled in admirably. Jeremy Lauzon has been a standout, along with acceptable performances from Jakub Zboril and Connor Clifton in their two-game varsity stints. Defenseman John Moore and Patrice Bergeron have returned home to Boston and are awaiting further evaluation. The loss of Bergeron is huge, but coach Cassidy has juggled his lineup in a way that has still created some exciting action on offense and garnered some much-needed points. Dependable defenseman Brandon Carlo remains out of the Bruins lineup, with no status given as to his return. Goaltender Tuukka Rask, coming off his strong performance in Boston’s 1-0 overtime loss, stopping 36 of 37 shots he faced versus the Dallas Stars, is expected in net versus Detroit tonight. The Friday-Saturday schedule will likely feature Jaroslav Halak in the mix for sure.
Following their Saturday (11/24 at 7:00 p.m.) game in Montreal, the B’s will have a stopover in Toronto on Monday (11/26 at 7:00 p.m.), to take on the red-hot Maple Leafs who have currently taken over the top spot in the Atlantic Division from the Tampa Bay Lightning, with 30 points and a 7-3-0 record in their last 10 games. The New York Islanders will provide the opposition on Thursday, (11/29 at 7:00 p.m.) to finish out the month of November. Happy Thanksgiving!
2019 BRUINS PUCKS & PUPS CALENDAR ON SALE
The Boston Bruins 2019 Pucks & Pups calendar is on sale now at the Proshop on Level 2 of TD Garden. All proceeds from the calendar will benefit the Boston Bruins Foundation and MSPCA-Angell. This is the fourth year of the Pucks and Pups calendar since its debut in 2015. This year’s calendar features Bruins players including David Backes, Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, David Krejci, Brad Marchand, Kevan Miller, David Pastrnak, and Tuukka Rask, alongside Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes as part of the Bruins Foundation’s B Inclusive initiative. The calendar features Bruins players with their family pets or new friends waiting for homes at the MSPCA-Angell. The photos were taken at Warrior Ice Arena as well as outside in some of Boston’s landmark neighborhoods. The retail price of the calendar is $20.
Reminder: The Sports Museum’s THE TRADITION – NOVEMBER 28
The Sports Museum has announced presenters for Tradition honorees: Former Boston Bruins coach Don Cherry, a Canadian hockey icon will receive his award from Bs legend Terry O’Reilly; Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics will be presented by former teammate Kendrick Perkins; Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Julie Foudy, will be presented by former teammate Kristine Lilly; Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer, Jim Lonborg, will receive his award from legendary Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Kaat; Super Bowl XXXIX MVP and former New England Patriot wide receiver, Deion Branch will be presented by former teammate Troy Brown/ and seven-time NASCAR Championship winner, Richard Petty, will be presented by NASCAR journalist Dick Berggren. Hosting the event will be Jackie MacMullan and Tom Caron. Ticketed guests will receive a once in a lifetime experience to mingle with some of New England’s most legendary athletes and industry leaders. Each ticket includes access to complimentary premium food and beverage during the gala reception on TD Garden’s arena floor and a seat at the ‘talk-show’ style awards ceremony. During the ceremony, honorees share career highlights and anecdotal stories that give fans a glimpse into the lives of these living legends.