Bruins Trying to Keep Things Fresh During Layoff

BOSTON - Bruce Cassidy knows his players have had just about enough of practicing.
Since wrapping up the exhibition slate last Wednesday, the Bruins have taken to the rink for five on-ice sessions at Warrior Ice Arena as they trudge through a 10-day layoff ahead of Saturday's season opener against the Dallas Stars.
It is hardly an ideal situation, but one the Black & Gold have tried to navigate with a balance of rest and hard work.

"I think guys get tired of practicing," Cassidy said following Thursday's practice. "We have to be mindful of that. Try to stay sharp but understand that I think it's tough for the players. But now the games are on TV at night, now it's real. One more practice and away we go. I heard someone say that on the ice today and it's kind of true."
Knowing how repetitive practice can get over an extended period, Cassidy has tried to keep things fresh by mixing in situational drills (the Bruins practiced 6-on-5, 4-on-4, and 3-on-3 scenarios on Tuesday), while also aiming to keep things light with some competitive small-area intrasquad games.
"Once you get into it, you won't even remember this break," said Cassidy. "Hopefully it affects us in a positive manner in terms of our energy level…we've just got to be mindful of staying in the game and dictate the terms of it, if that makes sense."

In the meantime, the Bruins have been getting their hockey fix by watching the rest of the league open up the 2021-22 campaign this week.
"It feels like it's been a while since we played," said Jake DeBrusk. "It's kind of weird having a 10-day stretch between games…hockey's back on [TV]…I don't watch too much hockey during the year. But I always try to catch the first game of the season, Opening Night. You just see how the game is being played. It's exciting. And with the new platforms, it's interesting in that aspect."
Cassidy said he has been enjoying the presentation of the NHL's new television partners so far, particularly the chance to hear legends like Wayne Gretzky (TNT), Mark Messier (ESPN), and Chris Chelios (ESPN) on the networks' studio shows.
"To have those old hockey minds - I grew up idolizing a lot of those guys, and some I played with," said Cassidy. "It's kind of neat to see them talk and tell old stories, talking hockey. Not every fan wants to hear everyone's role on a neutral zone forecheck.
"You can break the game down and have certain analysts, but other times it's just good to have some guys that were really outstanding hockey players just talking hockey, telling a few stories. I think there's value in that."

DeBrusk Raring to Go

DeBrusk is ready to build off his strong exhibition slate as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2020-21 campaign in which he tallied five goals in 41 games. The winger potted two goals during the preseason and appeared to build some quick chemistry with new linemates Erik Haula and Nick Foligno.
"Two newcomers but two leaders, two different guys," said DeBrusk. "Erik's really fast and can make plays, but he's a smart player and likes to talk and likes to work. Nick's kind of the same MO - lot of communication, really good player, got a great release.
"I think we're gelling off the ice really well…the more reps that we get, the more chemistry. But I thought it went well and we enjoy playing with each other."
The 24-year-old, who is entering his fifth season with the Bruins, believes that slotting in behind Brad Marchand and Taylor Hall on the left side could benefit him and lead to a bump in offensive production as he sees more favorable matchups.
"That's a good way to look at it. It's a good opportunity in a sense," said DeBrusk, who tallied a career-high 27 goals during the 2018-19 season while playing alongside David Krejci. "For my whole career, pretty much, I've been in that top six behind an all-time caliber player in Brad and now behind Hallsy, two elite players.
"That's something I'm taking more notice of now…it's my fifth season, but to learn from those guys every single day…trying to take things that they do well and understand why they've been so successful for so long."

Wait, There's More

Cassidy said he will name the starting goaltender - either Jeremy Swayman or Linus Ullmark - for Opening Night against the Stars on Friday afternoon.