"It's a great opportunity," said O'Gara, who played in three games with Boston last year before heading to Providence for the remainder of the season. "We're close, but it's about finishing the job and the work you put in. Whatever happens, happens. If it's here, if it's in Providence, it's about continuing to progress and get better and making sure if it is Providence that you get back here as soon as possible."
O'Gara has been in a battle with Matt Grzelcyk and Paul Postma for the Bruins' last remaining spot on the back end, which was left open when Torey Krug suffered a jaw fracture in the second preseason game. But despite the high stakes, the 24-year-old blueliner said there has still been plenty of support for each other in the dressing room.
"Just trying to keep each other grounded and in the moment because we can only control what we're doing in practice, what we do in the weight room," said O'Gara. "Trying not to worry about what might come next. We have guys who went through it before, who went through it last year….it helps going through it with a bunch of guys."
Also among those awaiting word on the B's final roster is forward Jake DeBrusk, who is looking to secure a place alongside David Krejci and David Pastrnak.
"I'm here at the moment," said DeBrusk. "I still don't know. It's one of those things that I'm really nervous for. But at the moment, I'm talking to you right now, so I'm still here. It's one of those things you take day by day."
For Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy and the rest of Boston's brass, there will be no easy decisions.
"We feel the younger guys have played well," said Cassidy. "These are difficult decisions, who are you going to keep? Who do you project to be ready over the course of the last two, three weeks? Some you've had a longer look at because they've been down in Providence. You hope you've made the right call come Thursday if they're in the lineup for you."
