With Deadline Done, Bruins Ready for Home Stretch

BOSTON - Don Sweeney's big trade deadline splash came on Sunday morning, when he swung a deal with the New York Rangers for hulking winger Rick Nash. But his three other acquisitions over the past week shouldn't be discounted.
The Bruins general manager believes the additions of defenseman Nick Holden and forwards Brian Gionta and Tommy Wingels (acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday for a conditional fifth round pick in 2019) will be crucial depth pieces as the Bruins charge towards the postseason.

"I think we're going to need everybody between now and the end of the line if we get to where we want to go," said Sweeney. "Those are coaches' decisions [whether or not they play]. We talk about that stuff all the time - on a daily basis depending on how the team is performing. At times, there are players that show up on the injury list that may need a night off, or you prepare for what you don't even know is coming.
"But, they're all good players that we think can help us. When and if they play, to be determined, so we'll go from there."

Gionta, Holden, and Wingels have played in a combined 184 postseason games - with Nash adding another 77 - providing Boston with further veteran experience. With five rookies on the roster, as well as young players with limited playoff histories like Brandon Carlo and David Pastrnak, Sweeney feels the newcomers can be valuable assets when the competition ramps up.
"We learned from that last year when some of the guys were going through their first playoff experiences. David Pastrnak is a great example of that," said Sweeney. "We made a move this year to really integrate some of the younger players and credit to them, but it's a long schedule, and they're going through that for the first time.
"I think some of the guys that have been there can help them continue to wade through that…Brandon sat out another game the other night, but again, he can come back into the lineup and reinsert himself pretty quickly, and other guys may need a breather or not depending on their play.
"It's always about the performance, but I think you're right in the fact that having some veteran players around that have been through this will help guide them down the right path."
Sweeney also pointed to the versatility and character of Wingels, who notched seven goals and five assists in 57 games for the Blackhawks this season. The 29-year-old Illinois native has played mostly center throughout his eight-year career with San Jose, Ottawa, and Chicago, but can also shift to the wing if called upon.
"He is a player that played against us last year in the playoffs [with the Senators]. We know him very well," said Sweeney. "Has been able to play up and down the lineups for the teams he has been on, plays at least two positions - if not all three - kills penalties, a character person, skates, physical.
"Again, just adding to the depth of the group that we can sustain potential injuries that come our way as well as the tough schedule."
Boston has dropped two in a row - and three of their last five - in regulation for the first time since mid-November. But with the stretch run on the horizon and the roster now set, the B's can turn their attention to finishing out the regular season on a high note.
"The body of work suggests that our team will play better, and I think the infusion of the players we've added will help that, and that's been the intention," said Sweeney. "I've said, we have a tough March in front of us, and if we want to get to where we want to be and play the way we are capable of playing, which we have shown for the vast majority of the season thus far, we have to play better.
"Hopefully the continuity starts to go back together and nobody's looking over their shoulder and wondering what's next, because this is the team that is going to take a run at things."

Gionta On Board

In addition to the deal for Nash, Sweeney also signed veteran forward Brian Gionta to a one-year, one-way contract worth $700,000 on Sunday morning. The 39-year-old former Boston College standout has not played in the NHL this season, but recently captained Team USA at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.
Gionta has 289 goals in 1,006 career games for the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and Buffalo Sabres over his 16-year career. The 5-foot-7, 178-pound Rochester native is expected to join the team for practice on Tuesday.
"From the standpoint of depth and veteran leadership and a player that is highly motivated - it wasn't that he didn't have opportunity to play this year, he made a family decision along with an opportunity to play in the Olympics," said Sweeney. "We've known that all along. It was a short turnaround to be able to see this come to fruition for our club and any other club that he was entertaining this.
"Maybe, he just waited to see what clubs might've been in position to be in the playoff race, and we hope we continue to be one of those clubs. He is going to add to that."

Lindgren Dealt to N.Y.

Defense prospect and University of Minnesota standout Ryan Lindgren - Boston's second-round pick in 2016 - was dealt to the Rangers as part of the package for Nash. Sweeney said it was a difficult decision to move such a highly regarded left-side blue liner.
"Ryan Lindgren - that's a tough situation," said Sweeney. "He's a character, character player, and he is going to go to the Rangers and in all likelihood be playing against us, and I am going to be disappointed to see him. I am going to wish him well because of the development time.
"Talking to [Player Development Coordinator] Jamie Langenbrunner today about that, I've been down that road. I've been here since Ryan's been to his draft, and these are tough decisions.
"People are involved, feelings are involved, and they make contributions. Ryan was excited about being a Boston Bruin, and now I wish him well to be a New York Ranger. "

Postma to Providence

Cassidy confirmed that defenseman Paul Postma cleared waivers and will report to Providence. The 29-year-old, who has one assist in 12 games for Boston this season, has not played since Dec. 13 in Detroit.
"Postma is going to go play some games," said Sweeney. "Hasn't played a lot of hockey in the last little while, and he needs to play to be able to help us going forward and to be at the top of his game. So, he is going to go play in a lot of situations and hopefully have his game right at the top level if he needs to come back and play for us.
"We've all talked about it - we went through a lot of defensemen last year, so we're happy that he actually got through waivers and provides depth to our club."