Need to Know: Bruins vs. Blues

BOSTON - The Bruins took to the ice at Warrior Ice Arena Wednesday morning coming off of a regulation loss for the first time in over a month. A 3-1 setback to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night ended their points streak at 18 games (14-0-4), but they will now turn their focus to reclaiming that success on Thursday night when they host the St. Louis Blues at TD Garden.
"Good work day today and back at it - got to start a new streak tomorrow," said Bruins forward David Backes. "That's our focus, and I think it was a good day to get back on the ice and clear our minds…we got a little bit of a wakeup call, and now back to work today, good day of practice and we've got another tough opponent tomorrow."

Slow starts to games have been an issue for the Bruins of late, with their opponents scoring the opening goal in each of the last eight games. Coach Bruce Cassidy said that the team has addressed it and will look to remedy the concern against the Blues.
"At the end of the day, I think it's on the group just to understand that it's not acceptable anymore, especially at home," he said. "You should be well rested. You should have the jump at home, not feel out the game."

Backes Ready to Go

Backes was helped off the ice late in Tuesday night's game after a high hit by Ducks forward Nick Ritchie, but he practiced in his normal spot on the third line. He expressed his thoughts on the hit and gave an update on his health following practice.
"Wasn't real pleased with it," he said. "I think those are the types of hits we're trying to get out of the game - kind of late, inconsequential…the puck is not there. It's a little high. I think if he finishes me through the body, I'd probably go flying just as much if that's what his prerogative is. The result is, I'm thankfully not injured and continuing to play, and that's the bright side of it."

Cehlarik Recalled

Peter Cehlarik, recalled from Providence on an emergency basis Wednesday morning, slotted in on the left wing with Nash and Backes. The Zilina, Slovakia, native has appeared in 16 career NHL games over two seasons, recording one goal and three assists for four points. This marks the third recall of Cehlarik's career.
"I think you come in with the same attitude," Cehlarik said. "Going to work hard and earn your spot on the team, so I'll try to do my best to help the team win some games and hopefully stick around."
Cassidy said he expects Cehlarik's past stints to benefit him this time around.
"He is going to have to be hard on the puck…hopefully he makes the plays that are available to him and manages it well. That's the other thing that these kids have learned…you've got to manage it well, be strong on it, and I think the rest will take care of itself. I think his pace will be OK. The more he plays, the better he'll be."

Bjork, Acciari Miss Practice

Cehlarik will fill in for Anders Bjork, who did not practice after leaving Tuesday's game in the first period with an upper-body injury sustained on a collision with Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin. It was just Bjork's second game with the NHL club since being recalled from Providence on Jan. 24.
Fourth-line forward Noel Acciari, who has missed the last two games, also did not practice as he recovers from a lower-body injury. Cassidy described both Acciari and Bjork as "day-to-day" and "doubtful" to suit up against the Blues. The Bruins are no stranger to this type of adversity, having already dealt with a significant string of injuries early in the season.
"We know we can win with less than a 100% lineup," said Cassidy. "I think we understand what it takes. We've got to be good defensively to stay in the game when you lose some of your skill guys that you rely on to score. It's the good formula to stay in games. Be opportunistic when your chances come."

Opposing View

The Blues enter Thursday sitting in third place in the Central Division with a 31-18-3 record. They have won three straight games and are coming off of a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.
St. Louis possesses plenty of scoring depth, with eight players accumulating over 20 points so far this season. It is paced by Brayden Schenn, who has registered 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points, and Vladimir Tarasenko's 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points. They also receive offensive production from their defensemen, including Alex Pietrangelo, who is tied for sixth among NHL defensemen with 27 assists.
The Blues have two strong options in between the pipes, with Jake Allen recording a 18-14-2 record with a 2.74 goals against average and .909 save percentage in 36 starts, while Carter Hutton has a stellar 1.70 goals against average, .945 save percentage and 13-4-1 record in 22 starts this season.