Studnicka Could Get Look on the Wing vs. Senators

BOSTON - Jack Studnicka could get his first look on the wing this season when the Bruins host the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night at TD Garden. The 22-year-old has suited up for three games so far this season, centering both the second and fourth lines, but with the third line a bit snakebit offensively to start the year, coach Bruce Cassidy is considering a "different flavor" alongside Jake DeBrusk and Erik Haula.
"We're considering it," Cassidy said following Monday's practice at Warrior Ice Arena. "That's what we looked at today in practice. We'll make a decision [on Tuesday] morning. That line, offensively, has had some looks, hasn't finished. Maybe a different flavor there and [Curtis Lazar] back where he started [on the fourth line].
"I think [Karson Kuhlman] done a nice job, what we've asked, on that line. But sometimes a different type of player may help the line get going."

Studnicka saw most of his time with the big club at wing last season, but the Bruins believed that coming into the 2021-21 campaign he was best suited playing his natural center position. The Ontario native, however, does think that he is "more equipped" to succeed at the wing at this stage of his career.
"Learning curve last year having to do it," said Studnicka. "But I've worked with the assistant coaches a lot in practice…certain situations, taking pucks off the wall…I'm a lot stronger this year so board battles should hopefully go in my favor."
Studnicka has been a healthy scratch for the past three games with his last action coming on Oct. 28 in Carolina. The extended downtime is an adjustment for the forward, who is used to being a regular in the lineup.
"Obviously you want to be a guy who's in the lineup every game," said Studnicka. "But to be able to do that, you have to separate yourself somehow. When you're watching, just try to learn and pick up on things and when your name is called, hopefully you're up to the task and things go well."

Wait, There's More

Nick Foligno and Anton Blidh were both full participants in practice on Monday as they make their way back from upper-body injuries. Cassidy said that Foligno, who has not played since the second game of the season on Oct. 20 in Philadelphia, is eyeing a Thursday return to the lineup.
"I think he's itching to get in, but I think the medical team is looking at Thursday," said Cassidy. "That will probably be a decision for [Tuesday] morning and how he responds after a full practice today - him and Blidh both in normal colors today.
"They usually want to get through a night, make sure there's no [ill effects]. That's what I've been told is closer to Thursday but maybe they'll change their mind on him."
Jeremy Swayman will make the start between the pipes on Tuesday night against Ottawa.