Vancouver Remains Special Place for Bergeron

VANCOUVER, British Columbia- It has been nearly seven years since Patrice Bergeron hoisted the Stanley Cup over his head at Rogers Arena, but he has certainly not forgotten how impactful this city has been on his career.
"I wouldn't say that I'm necessarily circling the date on the calendar, but anytime I see that's where we're going, it definitely brings back a lot of great memories," said Bergeron, who helped the Bruins to their first title in 39 years with two goals in a Game 7 victory over the Canucks in 2011.

"You think about the Stanley Cup run, but also you think about the Olympics - it was here as well [in 2010]," added Bergeron, who won gold with Team Canada. "It definitely is a special city for me. It doesn't matter how many years it's been, it's always going to be very special to my heart."
The Bruins take on the Canucks on Saturday night in the first contest of a monster five-game, 10-day road trip. Boston is hoping to build on its torrid three-month run, which has included a 13-game points streak away from TD Garden.
"You've got to win wherever the heck you play," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. "The road, the tougher environments, more hostile per se. I think that's where our core guys have been there and done it. They'll be the leaders in that regard, but the young guys knowing they can win anywhere will help them as well."

Heinen's Homecoming

For rookie Danton Heinen, this trip to Vancouver is a special one, as it marks the first time he will play back in his hometown as an NHLer. The 22-year-old is from Langley, British Columbia, some 30 minutes Southeast of downtown.
"Definitely exited to see some family and friends," said Heinen, who estimated over 50 supporters will be in the stands on Saturday. "It will be a fun night, looking forward to it. I was a Canucks fan growing up, I came to quite a few games - my dad had some tickets with his company so tried to go whenever I could. I loved going, so it will be pretty cool playing in a building I grew up coming to."
Heinen revealed that he was actually in the stands for Boston's Game 7 victory in 2011. His allegiances have of course changed over the past seven years.
"I won't talk about that too much," Heinen said with a grin. "It's funny how it comes full circle. I was here for Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. I watched these guys raise the Cup and now I'm in the dressing room with a lot of them. It's funny how it works out."

Father Time

Like Heinen, Jake DeBrusk will cross a first off the list during this trip, when he plays in his hometown of Edmonton for the first time on Tuesday. But before that, the rookie winger will experience another first, with his father, Louie, calling Saturday's game against Vancouver for Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast.
"First game where he's calling it in between the benches," said DeBrusk. "It's gonna be pretty unique and pretty special."
Louie DeBrusk played 11 seasons in the NHL before joining Sportsnet as Edmonton's color analyst in 2008.

Szwarz Recalled

Forward Jordan Szwarz was recalled from Providence on an emergency basis on Friday and was on the ice for practice in Vancouver. The 26-year-old has played 10 games for Boston this season - the last on Nov. 26 against Edmonton - with three assists. Szwarz leads the P-Bruins with 15 goals and is third with 35 points in 34 games this season
With Frank Vatrano and Anders Bjork still sidelined by injuries, Boston was without an extra forward heading into the lengthy road trip.
"We weren't sure without an extra forward, so he joined us today and see where we are [Saturday] morning," said Cassidy. "It's too far a trip if we wake up tomorrow - we always have a few bumps and bruises - to then bring a guy in."

Miller Still Out

Kevan Miller traveled with the team to Vancouver and was on the ice for practice, once again donning a red non-contact jersey. Cassidy said the veteran blue liner is out for Saturday's game against the Canucks, but could play later in the trip.
"He's progressing so we won't rule him out for Calgary or Edmonton, but he will not play [Saturday]," said Cassidy.

Rask to Get Start

Cassidy confirmed that Tuukka Rask would start in goal on Saturday night against the Canucks. After that, Rask and Anton Khudobin are expected to split the remaining four games of the trip.

Harris Passes Away

Longtime Boston Herald Bruins writer Steve Harris passed away at the age of 66 on Thursday. Harris began working at the Herald in 1976 and had covered the Bruins for parts of five decades.
"I wanted to pass along my condolences to all of his colleagues over at the Herald and his family," said Cassidy. "That is some sad news. I liked Steve and enjoyed working with him in the short time that I've been here."