Redden Practices, Still "Day-to-Day"

The Boston Bruins held an optional skate today at TD Garden prior to departure for Toronto. It was sparse pickings at the practice as several members of the Black-and-Gold opted out.

Jaromir Jagr, Tuukka Rask, Zdeno Chara, and David Krejci were some the more notables taking a maintenance day.

Though Patrice Bergeron and his line mates were among those Bruins who were taking part, attempting to get some extra work in prior to game 6 with the hopes of finding their game. It is apparent they need it considering the trio has only combined for a single goal this series.

Wade Redden also returned to the rink after sitting out game 5 with an undisclosed injury. Claude Julien is saying Redden will be listed as day-to-day. Neither redden nor the Bruins are shedding any insight as to what the ailment may be.

When asked about the injury, Redden said, “It’s feeling better, so that’s a positive.”

First Round Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions

NHL First Round Playoff Predictions

Western Conference

#1 Blackhawks vs. #8 Wild (Blackhawks in 5)

#2 Ducks vs. #7 Red Wings (Ducks in 6)

#3 Canucks vs. #6 Sharks (Sharks in 7)

#4 Blues vs. #5 Kings (Kings in 7)

Eastern Conference

#1 Penguins vs. #8 Islanders (Penguins in 6)

#2 Canadiens vs. #7 Senators (Senators in 7)

#3 Capitals vs. #6 Rangers (Rangers in 6)

#4 Bruins vs. #5 Maple Leafs (Bruins in 5)

           

Bruins Expected Lineup vs. Tampa Bay

The Boston Bruins had full participation in today's morning skate with the exception of Nathan Horton who is still day-to-day, nursing a wrist injury. Claude Julien's group is pretty much fully healthy and should be ready to go come puck drop Thursday night. In this morning's practice the Bruins rushed the same lines from Sunday and Tuesday's games. The only difference is Claude had his playoff defensive pairings skating together.

The expected lineup is as follows:

Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Tyler Seguin

Milan Lucic-David Krejci-Rich Peverley

Chris Kelly-Carl Soderberg-Jaromir Jagr

Daniel Paille-Gregory Campell-Shawn Thornton

Zdeno Chara-Dennis Seidenberg

Dougie Hamilton-Johnny Boychuk

Andrew Ference-Adam McQuaid

Tuukka Rask/Anton Khudobin

Expected lineup vs. Philadelphia tonight; Additional game notes

Adam McQuaid participated in today's morning skate at the Wells Fargo Arena, the home of the Flyers.  The blue-liner was questionable as to whether or not he would play after sitting out Sunday's game against Florida. McQuaid was banged up Saturday when Matt Cooke of Pittsburgh targeted his lower body on what appeared to be a dirty hit. McQuaid is likely to play.

Assuming McQuaid gets the nod on the back end for Boston, Dougie Hamilton is a likely healthy scratch. Hamilton has played more games than any other Bruin this season, playing in 32 tilts during the NHL lockout. Post season success hinges on how effective the rookie can be. Rest will keep him sharp.

Anton Khudobin is expected in net. Tuukka Rask has played in two cosecutive.

Nathan Horton will sit this one out. He is nursing a wrist injury.

Claude Julien rolled the same lines from Sunday this morning. The projected lineup is as follows:

Marchand-Bergeron-Seguin
Lucic-Krejci-Peverley
Kelly-Soderberg-Jagr
Paille-Campell-Thornton

Chara-Boychuk
Bartkowski-Seidenberg
Ference-McQuaid

Khudobin/Rask

Bruins Hold Optional Skate; Set to Face Flyers

Gregory Campell centered Boston's merlot line in
 practice today.

The Bruins held an optional practice today at Ristuccia arena in Wilmington. Several of Boston’s top players were absent from the skate and understandably so. Coming off a pair weekend tilts and set to embark on a grueling stretch that features six games in nine days, the Black-and Gold will only benefit from some rest and relaxation. A break in the action will also provide the guys who are banged up with a chance to rejuvenate.

Winger Nathan Horton was one of the many missing today. He is nursing an upper body/wrist injury suffered in a fight with Jarome Iginla. Claude Julien labeled Horton as day-to-day.

Zdeno Chara sat it out as well. Chara looked to be a bit shaken up yesterday after a collision with Florida’s Jonathan Huberdeau. Boston’s captain could be seen visibly holding his right leg. He did return and finished out the game. It was a maintenance day for the big man.

Other notable Bruins that opted out from today’s session were Tyler Seguin, Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, Chris Kelly, Dennis Seidenberg, Dougie Hamilton, and Matt Bartkowski.

Boston will be in Philadelphia Tuesday night for a showdown with the Flyers.

Bruins Cancel Morning Skate; Status of Game Tonight Unkown

Both the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins have cancelled their morning skate in wake of the unfolding events taking place as we speak. Last night a shootout took place in Watertown as Police apprehended the suspects at the home they had been staying at. One of the suspects was killed in the gun fight. The other is currently on the loose, said to be armed and dangerous, and his where abouts are unknown. MIT police officer Sean Collier lost his life in the process.

Boston, Watertown, Waltham, Newton, Belmont, and Cambridge are all on high alert and said to be shutdown completely. People are urged to stay indoors.

The status of tonight's game at TD Garden is unknown at this time. In all likelyhood the game will postponed as hockey seems rather trivial at this point. 

Bruins hold practice; Lucic demoted again

Jaromir Jagr conducts the team's stretch prior to the close
of practice.

It was back to work for the Boston Bruins, as they held practice this morning at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington. Each Bruin was accounted for. Claude Julien unveiled his newest rendition of lineup that has been in constant flux these past few weeks.

It was Milan Lucic, Kaspar Daugavins, and Jay Pandolfo sporting the green forward jerseys. The green signifying Boston's 5th line or likely healthy scratches. The three rotated in with their teammates during line rushes.

Gold jersey line: Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Tyler Seguin
White jersey line: Danny Paille-David Krejci- Nathan Horton
Grey jersey line: Carl Soderberg-Chris Kelly-Jaromir Jagr
Merlot jersey line: Greg Campell-Rich Peverley-Shawn Thornton

Playing without Milan Lucic Friday night is not out of the realm of possibility. It's actually quite likely. The bruiser has been in a slump for a significant amount of time now. Hopefully his recent free-fall in the lineup will serve as a wake up call as the postseason nears.