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 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.