2016 camps and general preseason thread

BigMike

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Grzelcyk is getting first-pairing time in those games. I'm hopeful he can make the leap, although we already do have a small, PMD that can contribute offensively.
Maybe, I think he needs time down in Providence. He has a tough time competing physcially at BU and had a lot of injuries, I think he is going to need tome time to adapt to the game at this level
 

TheRealness

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I heard Kuraly performed well up at rookie camp, so that's good to see for him. He's destined for Providence, but I did not think he was going to pan out. Looks like he might be a 3rd or 4th line candidate in a few years.

I think Heinen is going to really challenge for a spot. I'd love to see someone like him beat out Hayes, or force Spooner out if they can. I also understand Carlo and O'Gara showed well, so that is good to hear in case the Bruins want to get their head out of their asses and trade one of McQuaid or K. Miller.

Training Camp opens tomorrow, iirc, so it will be nice for them to be back in the swing of things.
 

cshea

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Here's where I think things stand heading into camp tomorrow:

Forwards:

Marchand - Bergeron - XXX
Beleskey - Krejci - Pastrnak
Spooner - Backes - Hayes
XXX - Moore - Nash
Randell

I see 2 spots up for grabs, at the moment. Bergy's RW and a 4th line wing. Everything they've said publicly points to Backes playing C, so I'm going off that assumption. Frank Vatrano likely has the inside track on the Bergy wing spot. Danton Heinen and Seth Griffith may push for that spot as well. As for the 4th line, Noel Acciari, Brian Ferlin and Tim Schaller are probably the leading candidates for the opening. I assume Randell sticks around as the spare forward and goon.

Edit: I forgot about the Peter Mueller PTO. He is in the mix as well as a possible RW for Bergy or 4th line duty.

Defense:

As much as Sweeney likes to say there are openings for the kids, I just don't see it. Chara, Krug, McQuaid and Kevan Miller are on long term contracts. JM Liles, Colin Miller and Joe Morrow are signed and all 3 require waivers if they wanted to create room. So this is the opening night D, barring any trades, in my opinion. O'Gara, Carlo and Grzelcyk getting their feet wet in Providence isn't the worst thing in the world. They can battle it out in camp to see who is the first call up.

Goalies:

Nothing to see here. Rask and Khudobin it is.
 
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TheRealness

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I really want to see Hayes go. With the young guys they have, I don't see how he has a place on this team other than he's under contract at $2m+.

Trade him and Spooner for a bag of pucks. Let the kids play.
 

cshea

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On the ice for the first time. Obviously no WC players yet. Backes, Pastrnak and Rask should be back in a few days, I'd imagine. Shithead is the only absentee, he is apparently hurt.

Group A:

Beleskey - Spooner - Vatrano/Mueller
Cehlarik - Moore - Nash
Gabrielle - Schaller - Ferlin
Naclerio - Cave - Hickman

Grzelcyk - McQuaid
Liles - Carlo
Morrow - Casto
Roach - Krug

Khudobin
McIntyre
 

cshea

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Group B

Heinen - Krejci - Senyshyn
DeBrusk - Czarnik - Hayes
Hargrove - Acciari - Griffith
Blidh/White - Kuraly - Randell

Zboril - K. Miller
Cross - C. Miller
Lauzon - O'Gara
Arnesson - Grant

Subban
Vladar
 

TheRealness

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I like the Krejci line. Anybody know whether they will stream the non-televised pre-season games this year? Any idea on a streaming/TV schedule for pre-season?
 

burstnbloom

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Erhoff looked pretty good in the WC OH so it's not a bad idea to bring him in for a tryout. The chances of him not being the terrible player he's been the last two years are pretty slim.
 

cshea

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Cuts today...

To Providence: Blidh, Cave, Cehlarik, Hargrove, Hickman, Arnesson, Grzelyck, McIntyre, Vladar, Casto, Cross, Grant, Naclerio, White, Atkinson, Breen, Roach, Ginn

To Juniors: Gabrielle, Senyshyn, Lauzon, Zboril

Peter Mueller released from his PTO.
 

cshea

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They're still practicing in 2 groups, but the first group out today appears to be somewhat close to an opening night lineup, at least up front.

Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak
Spooner - Krejci - Backes
Beleskey - Czarnik - Hayes
DeBrusk - Schaller - Randell

That top 9 could be what we see next week.
 

TheRealness

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Cuts today...

To Providence: Blidh, Cave, Cehlarik, Hargrove, Hickman, Arnesson, Grzelyck, McIntyre, Vladar, Casto, Cross, Grant, Naclerio, White, Atkinson, Breen, Roach, Ginn

To Juniors: Gabrielle, Senyshyn, Lauzon, Zboril

Peter Mueller released from his PTO.
I agree with this. Lauzon looked overwhelmed, and while Zboril had his moments, you can definitely see he is more of a long term guy. Senyshyn should be in juniors, hopefully dominating; and Gabrielle still needs more seasoning. Mueller was not good, and the rest need time in Providence.

They're still practicing in 2 groups, but the first group out today appears to be somewhat close to an opening night lineup, at least up front.

Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak
Spooner - Krejci - Backes
Beleskey - Czarnik - Hayes
DeBrusk - Schaller - Randell

That top 9 could be what we see next week.
I find two things interesting with those lines. First, Backes on Krejci's wing. I had assumed they would throw him in 3C, but that was before Vatrano went down. Second, Czarnik as the 3rd line C. I find him to be a spunky little dude with lots of speed, and I still wonder if his improvement will ultimately force Spooner out. I also think Spooner is miscast on a wing with two slower forwards, but then again Spooner remains a liability in his own zone so maybe those two balance out.

Also, Hayes sucks. That is all.
 

cshea

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Spooner's most common line mates last year were Hayes and Beleskey who aren't exactly speed burners. Going back 2 years, his break out of sorts came when he filled in for an injured Krejci and played a lot with Lucic. I think it could work, I don't think you need to pair speed guys with speed guys. Czarnik intrigues me. I've only watched the first game, but he looked really good. He's put up points everywhere he's been. I'm curious to find out what he can do.

I'm sure there will be more mixing and matching over the next 10 days. Heinen and Griffith could get looks with the big boys at some point. Feels like the Vatrano spot comes down to Heinen and Czarnik though. Edge Czarnik based off pro experience, IMO.
 

Eddie Jurak

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Spooner's most common line mates last year were Hayes and Beleskey who aren't exactly speed burners. Going back 2 years, his break out of sorts came when he filled in for an injured Krejci and played a lot with Lucic. I think it could work, I don't think you need to pair speed guys with speed guys.
He played with Pasternak too, though.
 

TheRealness

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Looks like O'Gara is turning some heads this camp, but is expected to be sent down. Sounds like the top 7 defense is set pretty much in stone, so it is what it is.

I agree with cshea's comment in the preseason thread, it seems Vatrano's spot is down to Czarnik and Heinen, and it appears Czarnik has the edge because of his versatility (he can play either forward spot), and his pro experience. Then again, if the Bruins start the lines they had last night, having three centers on the Krejci line should make things interesting.
 

cshea

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I was reading Kirk's blog, and he seems convinced that both Czarnik and Heinen make it. Czarnik appears to have locked up a spot, and Heinen has played well himself. The more I think about it, the more I like it. Hayes would go down to the 4th line, and we'd see something like:

Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak
Spooner - Krejci - Backes
Beleskey - Czarnik - Heinen
Nash - Moore - Hayes
Schaller

I like it. 3 skilled lined and a non-plug 4th line. Having the 2 rookies on the 3rd line could be dicey, but if they start getting run over during a game, Julien would have a lot of options to stabilize it, like dropping Backes down.

On D, O'Gara and Carlo have been getting positive reviews, but it's a numbers game and it's probably best for them to start in Providence. The B's have 7 D under control, and an 8th if they sign Ehrhoff, who I thought played really well last night. O'Gara and Carlo don't require waivers, so they go down. The question is if they sign Ehrhoff. If they do, do they carry 8 D, or do they try and sneak Morrow/Liles/C. Miller through waivers?
 

TheRealness

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Yeah, I haven't seen Kirk's post yet, but I agree with that. Anything to keep Hayes out of the top 9 I am on board with.

As for Erhoff, I think the answer is no if it requires sending MOrrow or C. Miller through waivers. Liles I are less about, and if Erhoff is outplaying him, I think the decision is made between those two.
 

The Napkin

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Zac Rinaldo placed on waivers. Good trade guys!
Really hope someone claims him so he can't infect Provy.

 

RedOctober3829

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Fluto says these are the "full varsity" lines that will be rolled out tonight against Philly.

Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak
Spooner-Krejci-Backes
Beleskey-Czarnik-Hayes
Heinen-Moore-Nash

Chara-Carlo
Krug-O'Gara
Ehrhoff-K. Miller

Rask
 

TFP

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He must mean the forwards because there's no way the C Miller, McQuaid, Morrow, and Liles all aren't on the team.
 

cshea

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They just want to get a final look at Carlo, O'Gara and Ehrhoff. They have to make a decision on Ehrhoff soon so they want a final look at him. By all accounts, Carlo has impressed in camp so I think there is a non-zero chance he's on the opening night roster. Even if he doesn't make it, him and O'Gara are likely the first up when injury hits so it makes sense having them play a game with the "varsity."

Love the forward group, but would flip Heinen and Hayes.
 

cshea

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Meh. I thought he looked good at times, but I can understand the Bruins and Ehrhoff's reasoning. The team already has 7 NHL D, plus Carlo and O'Gara. Carlo looks pretty close to being ready. It may not be a good blue line, but it is a crowded one. If he doesn't want to sit in the press box, then that's fine. I can see the Bruins preferring to give any open ice time to Carlo and/or O'Gara anyways. The one slight curveball is that McQuaid and K. Miller are injured and didn't practice today. There may be a short-term vacancy, but again, the team is probably better off with Carlo for a few games.

Anyways, the opening night roster is due tomorrow. The B's don't have any cap issues to deal with for once, which is nice. Up front, Czarnik was injured on the Radko Gudas hit and is day-to-day. McQuaid is day-to-day on the back end, and Kevan Miller is injured and being evaluated today. I'm guessing the final roster is:

Marchand - Bergeron - Pastrnak
Spooner - Krejci - Backes
Beleskey - Moore - Heinen
Nash - Acciari - Hayes
Czarnik injured

Chara - C. Miller
Krug - McQuaid
Liles - K. Miller
Morrow/Carlo/O'Gara

Rask
Khudobin

Carlo and O'Gara's status depend on the health and availability of McQuaid and K. Miller.
 

cshea

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Beginning of season press conference underway....

Only notable info thus far is that McQuaid's injury is short term, but Kevan Miller's is likely long term.
 

lexrageorge

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Another wasted resource. Good Job Sweeney.
Griffith was drafted in the 5th round 4 years ago, and really didn't show much of anything last year or in training camp this year. Not sure what else could have been done other than squeezing him on the roster as a spare forward to watch from the press box.

Separately, what happened to Miller? Realize it was during preseason, but did anyone see the play? The useless Boston hockey beat media has less info than I would have received by emailing Belichick.
 

PedroSpecialK

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I'm having a tough time shedding tears over losing Griffith. To succeed at the NHL level with his size and skillset, he needs a lot more speed and quicker decision-making than what he's shown, and he'll likely have to add value as a penalty killer. Without the latter, he's pretty much got to be in the top 9 to develop. As of now, he's pretty much a right-handed Martin St. Pierre - maybe there's a chance he gets faster and takes the leap, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Sweeney's hands are also somewhat tied by having Miller and McQuaid both gimpy right before the season opener, meaning he has to retain 8 defensemen for opening night in case both can't go. Regardless, I'd much rather have a guy like Heinen who made an impact in the preseason make the roster than Griffith.
 

jk333

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Sweeney's hands are also somewhat tied by having Miller and McQuaid both gimpy right before the season opener, meaning he has to retain 8 defensemen for opening night in case both can't go. Regardless, I'd much rather have a guy like Heinen who made an impact in the preseason make the roster than Griffith.
They're both always gimpy! They play physical but it seems they're always hurt. At least it will get the younger guys playing time but playing time on defense is going to be hard to come by for all of the guys they're trying to break in.

I'm excited to see Colin Miller, Heinen and O'Gara/Carlo this year. I'm not excited to see Morrow or Liles.
 

TheRealness

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Beginning of season press conference underway....

Only notable info thus far is that McQuaid's injury is short term, but Kevan Miller's is likely long term.
I recall he had some sort of shoulder/back injury, but at the time it was reported he was only "day-to-day" and not believed to miss much time. If it's his shoulder again, I suspect he may be looking at some long term surgical options. His shoulder has been an ongoing issue.

I suspect this means Carlo may start on Thursday. He seems the guy the coaches are most excited about.
 

cshea

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FWIW, the practice D was:

Chara - Carlo
Krug - O'Gara
Liles - C. Miller
Morrow

I suspect O'Gara is a McQuaid place holder. As for Kevan Miller, I have no idea what his injury is. He had missed time earlier in camp after taking a shot off his knee so perhaps something flared up there. I didn't see Saturday's game and none of the reporters (good job guys!) seem to be pointing to any particular play where he went down.
 

PedroSpecialK

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I'm picturing Fluto holding up one of those borderline plastic TD Garden pretzels and slowly shaking his head. Meanwhile, through the bow of the pretzel, Miller walks down the tunnel clutching his shoulder.
 

The Napkin

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If only there was some way to check these things. Maybe someone could make a phone call or two. Someone who maybe has some kind of connection or access to team personnel. That person could then report on these things.

Oh well. What's for dinner?
 

TheRealness

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Still no follow up on Miller from anyone. They are a joke. It's most disappointing for Fluto because he was good at one time. Now he's a parody of himself.