Bruins back in action
Krejci, Pasta, Smith off the COVID list
As the Zamboni circled the Warrior Ice Arena sheet, the Bruins players eagerly lined up on the bench like a bunch of Mites for their Saturday morning game after a long week of school.
After five days on leaguemandated shutdown for COVID protocols, the B’s were back on the ice for an unusual Wednesday night practice after most of the players received negative test results earlier in the day. Barring unforeseen circumstances — and those happen a little more often these days — the B’s will not only be back in action tonight, but they will be playing in front of Garden fans for the fist time in a year.
BRUINS NOTEBOOK
Only Sean Kuraly and Jake DeBrusk remained on the NHL’s COVID protocol list as of Wednesday, with David Krejci, David Pastrnak and Craig Smith getting set free.
“That’s probably the best news of the week is that we get to play in front of our fans. We’re looking forward to that. Obviously, it’s been a while,” said captain Patrice Bergeron. “We just went along. It’s unfortunate that it happened, but it’s the type of year and the environment that we’re in. You never know what’s going to happen and you have to roll with the punches, move forward and do what your told and try to respect that as much as possible. Now we’re happy that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Even better news for the B’s is that they are getting healthier.
Tuukka Rask, out since March 7, participated in practice and could play tonight against the Islanders. If not, then he’s expected to be ready for the weekend games. Trent Frederic, who blocked a shot and had to leave the B’s last game in Buffalo, also practiced, as did Jarred Tinordi, who left the March 16 game after crashing into the the boards head first in Pittsburgh. Also, Zach Senyshyn, out with an upper body injury since March 11, practiced. All three will be evaluated after the morning skate tonight and, if they give the thumbsup, they could be in the lineup.
All things considered, coach Bruce Cassidy liked what he saw after the layoff.
“They had good energy, good enthusiasm,” said Cassidy. “Guys are happy to be back and they’re happy, other than Jake, that they’re able to get back to work and everyone else has tested negative and feeling good. Guys are looking forward to getting back on the ice.”
Cassidy remembers a similar situation a few years ago after a bye week when they had to fly out to San Jose with just one practice after they landed. Players have to be mindful of their time on ice.
“We’ve got to manage out shifts and hopefully not get stuck out there like when you’re killing a penalty and you’re out there the whole two minutes,” said Cassidy. “That could really empty the tank in a hurry and make it hard to recover. That’s what we’re looking at. And you’re playing three in four days, so you want to make sure that you do recover well to be able to practice officially Friday and get out there Saturday and Sunday.”
Busted ref bounced
After referee Tim Peel was caught on a hot mic on Tuesday night in the DetroitNashville game saying that he was looking to call a penalty on the Predators, the NHL announced that he would no longer be refereeing any more games. Peel was scheduled to retire at the end of the season.
Cassidy did not know all the details of what happened, but to him it sounded like there might be something personal going on between Peel and the Nashville bench.
“You don’t want that obviously,” said Cassidy. “I’ve had enough run-in with officials where we disagree and sometimes bark at each other at the bench. Typically the ref will come over and say ‘You’ve said your piece. Enough.’ I know it myself. Sometimes the staff will even say it ‘Ok Butch, time to calm down now.’ Sometimes it’s done on purpose to protect your players, to motivate your players, to get the attention of whoever. I think there’s different reasons for it. But this sounded like something that obviously should not have happened. The NHL dealt with it. I think Tim was retiring at the end of this year. I’ve always enjoyed my conversations with him, just between whistles and such, so it’s unfortunate, they did what they had to do and took the appropriate action. That’s just something an official shouldn’t do it.”
Cassidy said all teams are looking for is consistency in officiating. And he gave voice to the obvious – that makeup calls happen pretty often.
“I think it happens, it’s human nature, and hopefully it’s done after that. One marginal one each way and let’s get back to it. I’ve seen games where I’ve thought there were marginal calls where I think an official ends up chasing it…and all of a sudden the game starts to get away from you. Listen, they have off nights like players and coaches do. And even the media everyone once in a while,” said Cassidy, clarifying that the last part was indeed a joke.
Carlo, Lauzon on mend
Brandon Carlo, out since March 5 with what’s believed to be a concussion, skated with a red non-contact jersey. Jeremy Lauzon, out since breaking his hand in the Lake Tahoe game on February 21, skated in a regular practice jersey.
Lauzon is closer than Carlo, said Cassidy.
“For (Lauzon), it may be how is his strength and his battles. Puck handling is going to take a little bit because he missed time and wasn’t able to hold a stick, but s he able to at least battle at an acceptable level. That will probably be the determining factor for him,” said Cassidy.