Bruins Return Home for Monday Matinée vs. Colorado

BOSTON - Coming off a win in vs. the Senators on Saturday night, the Bruins wasted no time taking the ice Sunday afternoon at Warrior Ice Arena in preperation for a Presidents' Day matinée with the Avalanche.

Second Line Stays

With the Bruins still without Brad Marchand, coach Bruce Cassidy has had to move some pieces around to see what fits. A part of of the puzzle that has done well is the second line with Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle and Craig Smith.
Cassidy had nothing but good things to say about Frederic's game following an optional skate on Sunday morning. "Now that he's out on the ice a little more, he's figuring out when to get in, to stick his nose in situations, to start some things or stir the pot," said Cassidy. "So, you know, that's good for the team."
As for playing alongside Coyle, Cassidy believes it's an advantage for Frederic's development. "Frederic is still learning to use his body to protect puck, so he has a guy that can do some of that for him and learn from," said Cassidy.
Cassidy has always seen Frederic and Coyle as a good match, but because of different circumstances over the past few seasons, they haven't always been able to make it work. "They're a good marriage, and I've always thought that, it's just, as I said, there's different reasons why they've been apart," said Cassidy.
Coyle has stood out on the second line, netting one vs. the Rangers on Tuesday and earning an assist in Ottawa on Saturday night.

Forbort to Return

Derek Forbort was a healthy scratch for the first time with the Bruins on Saturday night, but will be back in the lineup Monday. Cassidy is looking for more "bite" from the D, something Forbort is looking to improve on. "He's starting to bring a little more," said Cassidy. "We need him to be a bigger body that is harder to get through, 6-4 and 220 [pounds], use that to your advantage."
Getting the attention of Forbort by creating some healthy competition within the group is something Cassidy isn't afraid to do when there are changes that need to be made. "We are going to start looking at other players if that's what will get your attention," said Cassidy.
As for what is expected going into Monday's matinée, Cassidy kept it very simple. "Move your feet to find open people and when it's your turn to make a play make it," said Cassidy.

Swayman Likely to Start

Jeremy Swayman made 31 saves in the B's OT win vs. Ottawa on Saturday night, and despite the shootout loss to the Rangers on Tuesday, he held his own, making for a solid road trip for the second-year netminder.
"He seems to have found some consistency, certainly on the road has been good for him," said Cassidy.
Swayman checks in with a .923 save percentage in 21 games this season and could possibily see the net vs. the Avalanche for the first time this season. "After talking to Goalie [coach] Bob [Essensa], I think it'll be Swayman," said Cassidy.
The B's fell the to the Avalanche in OT on the road late last month after a goal by Colorado with just 37 seconds left in the third period tied the gaem. But Cassidy was impressed by Boston's play during a competitive contest.
"I thought we were better than them for most of that hockey game," said Cassidy.
The B's will aim to get the win at home on Monday afternoon before hitting the road for a lengthy six-game road trip that begins on Wednesday in Seattle.