Training Camp Daily | Happy Returns

Six players return to practice; McAvoy, Blidh among new absentees

By Eric Russo

@erusso22 BostonBruins.com

July 20, 2020

Bruins Training Camp Daily is presented by TD Bank.

BOSTON - After being without nine regulars on Saturday, the Bruins had six of those players return to the ice as the second week of training camp kicked off on Monday morning at Warrior Ice Arena. Charlie Coyle, David Krejci, Torey Krug, Sean Kuraly, Tuukka Rask, and Nick Ritchie were all back at it, while Ondrej Kase, David Pastrnak, and Chris Wagner remained "unfit to participate."

Charlie McAvoy and Anton Blidh, both of whom had participated in full throughout camp, were the new absences.

"There's different reasons for that. The obvious one is injury," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said of the absences. "When it comes to the COVID aspect of it, you're seeing tests that don't come back on time, you're seeing tests that are inconclusive, so we're being cautious. A lot of that is factored into what's happened recently.

"At the end of the day, we go to work with the guys whose test results have come back negative and off we go. Obviously, we'd love to get them all back on time and negative, but it doesn't always happen that way."

Given the uncertainty surrounding how many players might be eligible to skate each day, Cassidy has had to be flexible in his practice plans and has begun to map out two separate sessions - one for the full group and one for a limited number of players.

"We're basically going into every day with two practice plans, one with the larger group, how we can stretch out scrimmages if we don't have that many players, giving the players the adequate rest," said Cassidy. "Today, for example, there's basically two lines with a couple extras in each. It's tough to go every second shift. We're trying to build more face-offs into it, slow it down a little bit and go over certain situations. You still need the reps, the 5-on-5 scrimmaging."

Cassidy talks to media after Monday practice

While it, admittedly, has been a bit frustrating to not have a full group together thus far in camp, the players are taking the situation in stride, acknowledging that entering such a unique and uncharted situation, meant there were bound to be some bumps along the way.

"It's something that we were aware was a possibility coming in," said Matt Grzelcyk. "It's on us to try to do as good of a job as we can away from the rink to make sure that we're not bringing anything to the rink that will cause any of our teammates any sort of harm. I think a lot of the guys have taken that information and tried to apply it everyday life.

"It's to be expected coming into a process like this. I don't think anyone really has the answers, but just try to do your best and not be frustrated when something does pop up and make sure that you're taking the necessary precautions to make sure that once we get into Toronto we're not bringing anything in and we're just able to play and not worry about outside distractions if we can."

Roster Battles Open

With so many players in and out of practice, Cassidy said he is far from deciding on a final postseason lineup. Among the biggest question marks are where Kase and Ritchie fit in up front with such limited time on the roster following their acquisitions from Anaheim just before the pause. Ritchie played seven games with the Black & Gold, while Kase suited up for six and has yet to skate with the full group during training camp.

"None yet, really, to be honest with you," Cassidy said when asked if he's made any decisions. "Clearly, there are some guys that when they come back are gonna go into the lineup. But we also said there are some battles. To a certain extent, Ritchie and Kase came up late so they're still finding their ways.

"Obviously, I would put them in the category of, 'Yeah, we know they can play in the league - where do they best fit and do they make us a better team than, say, [Anders] Bjork and [Karson] Kuhlman?' Those are some things we look at. I would assume they would be better because of their experience."

Pasta Being Pasta

Jake DeBrusk said he has been in touch with Pastrnak, who has been under quarantine after coming into contact with a player who tested positive for COVID-19. Despite the winger having taken part in just one limited skate thus far in camp, DeBrusk relayed that Pastrnak remains in good spirits.

"Obviously it's not the ideal situation, but from when I've talked to him, he's still Pasta, he's still doing his thing," said DeBrusk. "I'm not worried about him at all, to be honest with you. Not necessarily on the ice, but obviously wanted to check in to make sure he was safe and see what was going on."

DeBrusk goes one-on-one after Monday morning practice

Re-Mark Your Calendar

The Bruins' final round-robin game against the Washington Capitals has been moved back one day to Sunday, August 9. The start time is still to be determined.

Quote of the Day

"Overall, we're doing what we love to do. This is our passion. At least we're with the guys. There probably will be a bit of [cabin fever], honestly, I'm not gonna lie. At the same time, there's a mission here. It's a mission for us to win the Stanley Cup and finish the job. We had a great regular season. We want to continue that." - Jake DeBrusk on the challenges of living in a bubble during the playoffs