Bergeron Aiming for Opening Night Return

BOSTON - It has not been the smoothest preseason for Patrice Bergeron. But despite not having played in any exhibition contests as he rehabs from offseason groin surgery, the veteran center expects to be ready for the Bruins' season opener next Wednesday night in Washington.
Bergeron took the first step towards that goal on Friday when he participated fully in the team's practice at Warrior Ice Arena.

"It's a lot better. I wouldn't say it's back to 100 percent, but it's definitely trending that way and it's been good," said Bergeron, who did don a red non-contact jersey. "It's good to be back with the full group obviously - first one in a while. Felt good. Overall, no issues.
"We talked about it…it's the first full practice that I've got. It's probably unlikely that I'll be playing [on Saturday]. Gonna have a few more good practices and be ready for the opener in Washington."

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy concurred, saying he did not believe Bergeron would be in the lineup for Boston's preseason finale on Saturday afternoon against Philadelphia. Cassidy said it's likely that Trent Frederic would get the call to center Boston's top line.
"I believe he'll be ready Wednesday," said Cassidy. "[Saturday], the discussion becomes A: health-wise, is he ready to go?; B: do you need the game or is there a risk of setback?; and C: 'Absolutely you're not playing, let's just get ready to play a lot of hockey.' My guess is he won't be in the lineup."
Bergeron, who is entering his 15th NHL campaign, realizes that not playing in any preseason action is not the ideal way to prepare for the regular season, but believes his wealth of experience will help him battle through any rust.
"I don't see it as a problem," said Bergeron. "That's the way it happened, the way things unfolded. It's unfortunate. I would have liked or preferred to have a full training camp under my belt. But you've got to make the most of it and use your experience when that happens. I think I have a lot of that.
"[I'll] use the next few days to make sure, feel real good. There will be some situations where it's gonna be a little bit of rust, but I need to use my smarts and experience to beat that off."

Kuraly, Nordstrom Back, Too

Forwards Sean Kuraly and Joakim Nordstrom, both of whom have been banged up during the preseason, also skated with the full group and are expected to play in the exhibition finale on Saturday against the Flyers. Kuraly was injured in the lone preseason game he played, while Nordstrom skated in both of the Bruins' games in China.
"I'm excited to get back and play," said Kuraly. "It was fun to be back out there with the guys today, really my first time with the whole group since they were in China. Exciting, really exciting to get back."
Kuraly was the third-line center during Friday's practice, manning the middle between Ryan Donato and David Backes to form a trio that may very well be together on Opening Night against Washington. Kuraly and Backes played well together during the Bruins' 2017 playoffs series with Ottawa, during which Kuraly burst onto the scene with a two-goal performance - including the double-OT winner - in Game 5.
"I think so, he communicates well with most of the guys he plays with. I don't know if it's just me," Kuraly said of his chemistry with Backes. "I love playing with him. I think it should be good."
Nordstrom, meanwhile, was the left wing on the Bruins' new-look fourth line, joining center Chris Wagner and right wing Noel Acciari.
"Maybe a little bit rusty from not being on the ice for a week, but it was fun," said Nordstrom, who expects to be ready on Opening Night. "We're all good skaters, not afraid to go in the corners and get on the body a little bit more. Moving forward, I think we're gonna build up some chemistry here. It was fun out there today, feel like we had some good reps together. It will be fun moving forward."

Grzelcyk Missing

Matt Grzelcyk did not practice on Friday, with Cassidy saying the defenseman was given a maintenance day to rest a lower-body injury.
Lee Stempniak and Daniel Winnik, both in camp on professional tryout agreements, also did not participate in practice, skating instead on their own before the full session.
"We talked about it and told them they're probably not going to play the last game," said Cassidy. "We want to be as close to the team that we envision unless something changed…I'm not planning to play them [on Saturday]."

Lauko Signed

General manager Don Sweeney announced on Friday that the team has signed forward Jakub Lauko to a three-year, entry-level contract. Lauko will be assigned to Rouyn-Noranda (QMJHL).
Lauko has appeared in two preseason games for the Bruins and is tied for the team lead with two goals, with a plus-one rating.
The 18-year-old forward was selected by Boston in the third round (77th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

Cuts Continue

In addition to Lauko being assigned to Rouyn-Noranda, Ryan Fitzgerald, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson, Jordan Szwarz, Jakub Zboril, were all sent to Providence.
Goalie Zane McIntyre was placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment o Providence.

Friday's Practice Lineup

Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk - David Krejci - Danton Heinen
Ryan Donato - Sean Kuraly - David Backes
Joakim Nordstrom - Chris Wagner - Noel Acciari
Peter Cehlarik - Trent Frederic - Anders Bjork
Zdeno Chara - Charlie McAvoy
Torey Krug - Brandon Carlo
John Moore - Kevan Miller
Urho Vaakanainen - Steven Kampfer
Tuuka Rask
Jaroslav Halak