2022-23 Bruins Season

[cshea]

Figured we could start a new thread now that the season has begun.

Here's the 'Opening''' roster:

Hall - Bergeron - DeBrusk
Zacha - Krejci - Pastrnak
Greer - Coyle - Smith
Frederic - Nosek - Studnicka

Lindholm - Carlo
Grzelyck - Zboril
Forbort - Clifton

Swayman
Ullmark

IR: Marchand, McAvoy

There will be more transactions today in advance of tomorrow night's game. They will probably LTIR one of McAvoy/Marchand then sign Stralman and call up 1 or 2 players from Providence.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

I'm having a tough time setting my expectations for this team, but I'm really happy that hockey's back.

 

[LogansDad]

I'm having a tough time setting my expectations for this team, but I'm really happy that hockey's back.

I agree. I have absolutely no idea what to expect.

But thank goodness it is back, and on time.

 

[amfox1]

Mark Divver
@MarkDivver
2m

Chris Wagner is on the ice for Providence practice at the AMP. No sign of Nick Foligno or Mike Reilly

***

Assuming Marchand to LTIR, Foligno/Reilly back to BOS ($2.25mm) and Stralman signed ($1mm, est). LTIR pool will be $6.125mm (Marchand cap) less $400k (cap space before LTIR). Team plays with effective 22-man roster until Gryz ready to go.

When Marchand returns, the Bruins will need to free up the space ($3.25mm, per above). Could mean a Reilly ($3mm) and/or Smith ($3.1mm) trade and Foligno to Providence or traded into someone's cap space.

 

[NYCSox]

Appears that McAvoy got the LTIR slot for now.

https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/bruins

 

[cshea]

Lauko was apparently recalled too. Here's the practice lines today. No Bergeron.

Hall - Studnicka - DeBrusk
Zacha - Krejci - Pastrnak
Greer - Coyle - Smith
Foligno - Nosek - Lauko
Frederic? (not listed on Fluto's tweet)

Lindholm - Carlo
Forbort - Zboril
Reilly - Clifton
Grzelyck - Stralman

Swayman
Ullmark

Assuming Bergeron is just a maintenance day, he goes in for Studnicka and that's probably the lineup for tomorrow. Monty also hasn't named a goalie for tomorrow, we'll see. I think Ullmark played better than Swayman in preseason.

I'm still a little surprised Lauko made it. He didn't seem to standout in anyway and cap space isn't a huge issue. He's got some of that sandpaper and fiestiness to his game so maybe they feel he's a better 4th line fit than McLaughlin.

 

[TSC]

View: https://twitter.com/pierrevlebrun/status/1579963078271467525?s=46&t=wEo0Jva-UE4r5r-l360T0A

 

[LogansDad]

Apparently the Bruins chef, Keith Garman, passed away today. Awful news.

 

[Ferm Sheller]

Apparently the Bruins chef, Keith Garman, passed away today. Awful news.

Terrible. He was a young guy. I recall seeing a story about him (or at least involving him) a year or so ago. Maybe it was on "Behind The B"?

Here's a story about him I found: https://www.nhl.com/bruins/news/bruins-bites-meet-chef-keith/c-316510582

 

[joe dokes]

Bruins announce team chef, Keith Garman, has tragically passed away | bruinsinsider.com

 

[joe dokes]

Lauko was apparently recalled too. Here's the practice lines today. No Bergeron.

Hall - Studnicka - DeBrusk
Zacha - Krejci - Pastrnak
Greer - Coyle - Smith
Foligno - Nosek - Lauko
Frederic? (not listed on Fluto's tweet)

Lindholm - Carlo
Forbort - Zboril
Reilly - Clifton
Grzelyck - Stralman

Swayman
Ullmark

Assuming Bergeron is just a maintenance day, he goes in for Studnicka and that's probably the lineup for tomorrow. Monty also hasn't named a goalie for tomorrow, we'll see. I think Ullmark played better than Swayman in preseason.

I'm still a little surprised Lauko made it. He didn't seem to standout in anyway and cap space isn't a huge issue. He's got some of that sandpaper and fiestiness to his game so maybe they feel he's a better 4th line fit than McLaughlin.

Looks like those are the spots Lauko and Greer will play in Game 1. Studnicka and Frederic both scratches:
Jakub Lauko and A.J. Greer will be in Bruins’ opening-night lineup - The Boston Globe

Both Greer and Lauko, along with Jack Studnicka, will be part of the Bruins’ season-opening 23-man roster. It is the first time for each that they are on an NHL team to start the year. While Studnicka will be a healthy scratch Wednesday in Washington, Greer will be the No. 3 left wing, Lauko the No. 4 right wing.

--------

Trent Frederic also will be an opening-night scratch. “Be on top of pucks more,” was Montgomery’s message. “The practice he had yesterday was the best he’s had. He’s building the right way.” Hanging onto pucks, getting to tough areas, and changing momentum with physical play are what Montgomery wants to see: “Something that we’re going to need throughout the year. When he gets in the lineup, I’m confident he’s going to show why I should have had him in since Day One.”

 

[biff_hardbody]

I've enjoyed the A.J. Greer story but he did not look like an NHL regular last night. Am I missing anything?

 

[cshea]

I've enjoyed the A.J. Greer story but he did not look like an NHL regular last night. Am I missing anything?

He was fine. Only 9:42 of ice time, 2nd lowest only ahead of Lauko. In that 9:42 (all at ES) the team had a 5-1 scoring chance advantage. 5 scoring chances in less than 10 minutes is really good. He had 3 shots, one of which was a good scoring chance from below the RW circle in the 2nd that Kuemper stopped. Greer's 3 shots were tied for 3rd on the team behind Pastrnak and Bergeron. I personally think it's a dumb stat but Greer also was credited for 3 hits, which tied for the lead among forwards with Lauko and Nosek.

I think he's a longshot to stick for the full season, but they'd probably sign up for that kind of performance from Greer on a nightly basis.

 

[biff_hardbody]

Thanks for the thoughtful response. Those numbers demonstrate a better performance than I remember from watching.

He did have the nice steal in the offensive zone which led to the scoring chance you reference. There were a couple times he turned the puck over in the offensive zone (one where he couldn't handle a pass when he had space) costing them offensive possession and possibly a chance. The inability to handle the puck and make good decisions in the offensive zone is a particular pet peeve and consistently something I've seen in guys who couldn't stick.

 

[RSN Diaspora]

Ugh. Hope this isn't worse than it looked.

View: https://twitter.com/FlutoShinzawa/status/1580938276579717120

 

[amfox1]

Fluto Shinzawa
@FlutoShinzawa
4m

Matt Grzelcyk is day to day. Should make his debut before the end of next week.

 

[cshea]

Monty said DeBrusk is out tomorrow, but it's not as bad as initially feared and he could be back sooner rather than later.

Stralman is still going through the visa process so he's not available either.

View: https://twitter.com/smclaughlin9/status/1580959655068434439?s=20&t=lRfgCaSm9kGmm4yG9lzcig


They had Smith up at 1RW (or 2RW if you want to consider the Czechia line the 1st line) during practice with Freddy drawing in on the 3rd line. No D changes.

Hall - Bergeron - Smith
Zacha - Krejci - Pastrnak
Frederic - Coyle - Greer
Foligno - Nosek - Lauko
Studnicka

 

[joe dokes]

Monty said DeBrusk is out tomorrow, but it's not as bad as initially feared and he could be back sooner rather than later.

That at least suggests it's not a broken hand/wrist.

 

[LogansDad]

That at least suggests it's not a broken hand/wrist.

I was worried about a collarbone with the way he fell. Hopefully he gets back soon.

 

[PC Drunken Friar]

Thinking about going to the gane tomorrow solo. Wife is away and my usual standbys are all busy. Never really gone to a game by myself. Just want to get into the building, I guess. Really not too keen on sitting in a seat by myself, tho. There isn't a decent place to stand and watch is there? Besides one of the bars in the concourse?

 

[cshea]

They have the new bar at the top of the balcony that overlooks the ice. I’m not sure if anyone can stand there or if it’s a ticketed area.

 

[Salem's Lot]

Thinking about going to the gane tomorrow solo. Wife is away and my usual standbys are all busy. Never really gone to a game by myself. Just want to get into the building, I guess. Really not too keen on sitting in a seat by myself, tho. There isn't a decent place to stand and watch is there? Besides one of the bars in the concourse?

I think the bar that they do the pre/postgame from on the club seat level is the way to go if you’re flying solo and can get a ticket with access to club level. Great view of the game and you feel like you’re in a bar more than an arena seat.

 

[PC Drunken Friar]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

 

[The B’s Knees]

Lauko is the first Bruins draftee from the last 5 drafts (2018-2022) to hit the ice in a regular season NHL game.
Of course they haven’t drafted higher than 21st in any of those drafts, and usually much lower, so not a big surprise.

 

[The Mort Report]

Man its only 2 games, and Arizona isn't great, but they have looked dominate for long stretches in both games from all lines. They've also been sloppy, but some of that stuff will clean up over time. Honestly when I looked at what I wanted from the team the first part of the season with guys out, just tread water, near a playoff spot. But if they can keep near the top of the division, then add a top 10 D, top 10 wing plus a real good Dman? I'm more encouraged about this season, even if its only 2 games in

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Sounds like another possible concussion for Carlo, believe that's now 5 total, at least 2 since he signed this contract - 2 games into year 2. Gotta hope Strålman’s visa comes through soon.

 

[cshea]

I’m guessing the government doesn’t work on those things over the weekend. That may make him playing tomorrow unlikely.

If so, that means either Grz or a call up.

 

[amfox1]

Mark Divver
@MarkDivver
3m

One change from Friday in Providence Bruins lineup in Springfield today. Mike Callahan in for Dan Renouf, who is needed in Boston with injury to Brandon Carlo

Fluto Shinzawa
@FlutoShinzawa
8m

Dan Renouf is practicing.

 

[TSC]

View: https://twitter.com/conroyherald/status/1581670107579027456?s=46&t=ZUc4mLGsv22SbEHXo4QftA

 

[BostonFanInCanesLand]

View: https://twitter.com/conroyherald/status/1581670107579027456?s=46&t=ZUc4mLGsv22SbEHXo4QftA

That is fantastic. Conroy throws a little cold water on it in his next tweet but it’s still great news. The more practice time Marchand gets the better his timing and stamina will be when he returns to the lineup. [Edit: From Ty Anderson “Marchand is MOVIN’ out there. ”]

 

[BostonFanInCanesLand]

Mark Divver
@MarkDivver
3m

One change from Friday in Providence Bruins lineup in Springfield today. Mike Callahan in for Dan Renouf, who is needed in Boston with injury to Brandon Carlo

Fluto Shinzawa
@FlutoShinzawa
8m

Dan Renouf is practicing.

God I hope that Stralman’s visa is processed, Grz is back, or they change their minds and bring up someone else. He may be a swell guy but Renouf looks outmatched on NHL ice.

 

[amfox1]

steve conroy
@conroyherald
57s

Looks like Marchand is participating in everything, including smaller space 2-on-2 drills

 

[Eddie Jurak]

Debrusk had 2 highlight reel plays (1 goal, 1 assist) in which he flashed his speed and offensive skill.

View: https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1582159701462040579?s=20&t=w5RkSZzaHFZwVqBT2tyB_g


View: https://twitter.com/NHLBruins/status/1582173800573308928?s=20&t=w5RkSZzaHFZwVqBT2tyB_g

 

[cshea]

I'd also add the ENG as highlight worthy. Broke up the Florida zone entry on the back check, quick spin around shot into the ENG. Probably a low percentage shot, even with the net empty, but probably his only option given he was headed towards the Bruins net when he intercepted the puck. Playing it towards your own net in that situation is not ideal. Worst case scenario is an icing, in which case Monty probably uses their timeout.

 

[joe dokes]

Those were some legitimate 1st-rounder plays last night.
On one hand DeBrusk's resurgence dates back to being on Bergeron's wing, which occurred under Cassidy. On the other, it's pretty clear that there was *something* going on that prevented him from really flourishing. We'll never know, but good for him. He deserves credit for not letting the trade request bog him down on the ice last year.

 

[TFP]

Worst case scenario is an icing, in which case Monty probably uses their timeout.

Can't use a timeout after an icing anymore. But otherwise agree with your point, and I was fine with the decision. When you're hot you're hot, might as well ride it.

As for JDB - he looks legitimately 2 steps faster than he did last year. Not sure if he was injured, this is better conditioning, or what, but it's more than him just "trying harder" (although he's doing that too). I'm impressed with his speed and quickness, if this keeps up he'll be in for a hell of a year.

 

[Dummy Hoy]

It takes some guys longer to figure it out. Homie may have finally realized the commitment level on and off the ice necessary to be a legit contributor in this league. If he's matured a bit and is putting in the holistic effort to match his skill level, he could be dangerous this year. This could be a lethal top 9.

 

[TSC]

View: https://twitter.com/_tyanderson/status/1582184469724745728?s=46&t=t77WHd80fd6Y6tyDmdhyQg

 

[Dummy Hoy]

I saw that...helps playing with two hall of famers.

I'm inclined to agree with T4P though- what I saw last night looked like a different player even than last season, when his effort noticeably increased. Now he looks physically better which, given what we know about his off ice habits prior to this season, shows that he potentially made some improvements.

 

[cshea]

It's also the first season since 2019 where he hasn't had a cloud hanging over him. He's been open about how the pandemic affected him. That was part of his bad 2020. In 2021, there was still pandemic / isolation issues plus he was in the doghouse and had requested a trade. This season, he enters with a new contract and clarity on where he'll be living and playing. The team also sung his praises at the end of last season for how he played and carried himself through the trade ordeal. I'm sure that helped. And, of course, he hasn't said it, but you'd be a fool not to think the coaching change has had an impact on him. So this is really the first season he's entered with a clear head, fresh start and perhaps even being exchited to play hockey again.

 

[kenneycb]

I saw that...helps playing with two hall of famers.

I'm inclined to agree with T4P though- what I saw last night looked like a different player even than last season, when his effort noticeably increased. Now he looks physically better which, given what we know about his off ice habits prior to this season, shows that he potentially made some improvements.

The biggest thing on his assist wasn't the pass (which was more lucky than good IMO with a blindish behind the back dish and a good corral by Bergeron...not a bad play but lucky to get the end result) but the burst he showed in dusting Ekblad to the puck. That was legitimately noticeable.

 

[Dummy Hoy]

It's also the first season since 2019 where he hasn't had a cloud hanging over him. He's been open about how the pandemic affected him. That was part of his bad 2020. In 2021, there was still pandemic / isolation issues plus he was in the doghouse and had requested a trade. This season, he enters with a new contract and clarity on where he'll be living and playing. The team also sung his praises at the end of last season for how he played and carried himself through the trade ordeal. I'm sure that helped. And, of course, he hasn't said it, but you'd be a fool not to think the coaching change has had an impact on him. So this is really the first season he's entered with a clear head, fresh start and perhaps even being exchited to play hockey again.

And maybe taking care of his body...

 

[Salem's Lot]

And maybe taking care of his body...

Are you referring to his failing his physical as a rookie? Or were there other examples that I don’t remember?

 

[Dummy Hoy]

That, McAvoy's comments on chicklets (I think?) about him being the worst eater, his comments about how the pandemic affected him (ie. couldn't get out and "socialize)...all of that combined with his inconsistent play led me (and others) to presume he wasn't putting his full effort into the hard parts of hockey. He's just turned 26 and hopefully has had an awakening of sorts.

 

[cshea]

Apropos of nothing, but one stark difference between Monty and Butch is Monty puts the lines in the blender quite frequently. Butch would let them sit for games at a time before making a change. Lines hardly last a period with Monty.

We'll have to see if this is how he is or if it's something he's just messing around with early in the season to see what he's got.

 

[jezza1918]

That, McAvoy's comments on chicklets (I think?) about him being the worst eater, his comments about how the pandemic affected him (ie. couldn't get out and "socialize)...all of that combined with his inconsistent play led me (and others) to presume he wasn't putting his full effort into the hard parts of hockey. He's just turned 26 and hopefully has had an awakening of sorts.

The bolded strikes me as a pretty harsh summation of some very real mental health issues athletes were forthcoming with during covid. That said, I do agree with your larger point in that everything seems to be coming together aka the "awakening" stuff.

 

[TFP]

Apropos of nothing, but one stark difference between Monty and Butch is Monty puts the lines in the blender quite frequently. Butch would let them sit for games at a time before making a change. Lines hardly last a period with Monty.

We'll have to see if this is how he is or if it's something he's just messing around with early in the season to see what he's got.

Also wondering how much special teams plays into it - anecdotally seems like it's a jumbled line out following a PK/PP too, maybe so guys don't get stale on the bench.

 

[Dummy Hoy]

The bolded strikes me as a pretty harsh summation of some very real mental health issues athletes were forthcoming with during covid. That said, I do agree with your larger point in that everything seems to be coming together aka the "awakening" stuff.

Sure...and if there wasn't a history of other things I wouldn't lump it in.

We all had significant mental health issues that arrived during or were exacerbated by the isolation of COVID. I get that and I'm not downplaying any suffering Debrusk may have undergone. I'd be quite the hypocrite to do so.
That said, every quote I saw was related to his inability to go out and party and get laid (I realize I'm projecting and that may be unfair, but what do people think he meant? He's a 24 year old pro athlete not really known for his work ethic...dude wasn't upset about missing the gym). Maybe I'm being pretty harsh as you put it, but that's how I read those comments. Combined with the other (largely circumstantial) evidence, I wasn't inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt as being focused on hockey.

 

[cshea]

Also wondering how much special teams plays into it - anecdotally seems like it's a jumbled line out following a PK/PP too, maybe so guys don't get stale on the bench.

That's certainly part of it. Just feels like early on it extends past a few shifts coming off of special teams play.

 

[jezza1918]

Sure...and if there wasn't a history of other things I wouldn't lump it in.

We all had significant mental health issues that arrived during or were exacerbated by the isolation of COVID. I get that and I'm not downplaying any suffering Debrusk may have undergone. I'd be quite the hypocrite to do so.
That said, every quote I saw was related to his inability to go out and party and get laid (I realize I'm projecting and that may be unfair, but what do people think he meant? He's a 24 year old pro athlete not really known for his work ethic...dude wasn't upset about missing the gym). Maybe I'm being pretty harsh as you put it, but that's how I read those comments. Combined with the other (largely circumstantial) evidence, I wasn't inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt as being focused on hockey.

Ok, appreciate you flushing that out. I still think it's harsh...but I also understand a bit more where you are coming from. Im happy to leave it there as I dont want to sidetrack the thread. No matter what happened to Debrusk in the past, if what we are seeing from isnt just a hot 30+ game hot streak, I think it really raises the ceiling for this team. Assuming health (big assumption in hockey I know), they are looking at two very impressive scoring lines when Marchand is back, and if they dont break up the Czech line would Taylor Hall be on the 3rd line??