Bruins break is over
The Bruins will take to the ice tonight (Thursday at 7:00pm) to host the Detroit Red Wings, following a rare four-day break in their schedule since last Saturday’s 3-2 comeback victory, over the then streaking (8-0) Florida Panthers. To date the lengthy break has been a blessing in disguise, especially for those Bruins who continue with the process of healing. Nick Foligno (upper body) is not expected back for at least another week, and Anton Blidh may be dropped back into the lineup in the next few days. Plus, the extra practices for Boston’s goaltending tandem of Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, will allow them both more time to continue working on different facets of their game.
One much discussed item probably on the players’ agenda during the break, is the depressing stories coming out about former NHL player Kyle Beach’s revelations regarding sexual assault he endured, while with the Chicago Blackhawks organization in 2010. The emotional matter should cause the NHL players to press the issue, and seek more information about the investigations that have taken place, and especially the investigation that never took place, by the NHL and the NHLPA.
Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy will not hesitate to continue exploring with his lineup, making additional moves, such as his most recent Craig Smith and David Pastrnak switching places between the first and second line last Saturday, but hinted Pasta will be reunited with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand for tonight’s (Thursday) game with Detroit. Cassidy’s current view of Pastrnak’s situation is that he is passing up the shot too many times when the opportunity is there, choosing instead to make the pass, while still agreeing that Pastrnak is creative in his play. Pasta admitted that although he is a shooter, he always looks to make the pass first. Add those thoughts to the current Boston scoring dilemma, and you can understand the reason for Cassidy’s concern.
Boston’s upcoming schedule has the team back on the road following Thursday’s game, to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at 7:00pm, for a one-game road trip. An odd setup in the 2021-22 regular season schedule has the locals traveling on a single game Saturday road trip for the next three weeks, and another single game trip near the end of November. The Bs return to TD Garden ice to host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday (7:00pm), and then the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers on Thursday (7:00pm), presently boasting a 7-1-0 record to lead the Pacific Division.