BOSTON — Michael Hutchinson had to wait a little longer than most of his fellow Bruins rookies to get his chance to play in the Garden.
But he plans to make up for lost time on Thursday night. One of three goalies in Boston's rookie camp, Hutchinson was not dressed for the club's first rookie game against the Islanders on Wednesday, but he will get the start in goal in the rematch Thursday night.
"It's pretty exciting," said Hutchinson after Thursday's morning skate. "As soon as the season ends, this is the next thing you have to look forward to. It's been a long wait, so I can't wait to start the game."
Hutchinson hasn't played in a game since his London Knights were eliminated in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs last spring, but insists he's not nervous about getting back between the pipes in this one.
"It's more anticipation than nerves," said Hutchinson. "I just can't wait to get out there and get the first shot, and after that everything usually settles down."
Even in a game in an NHL arena like the Garden, which drew 11,571 fans to Wednesday's rookie game?
"I just try not to think about it," said Hutchinson, a third-round pick in 2008. "I try to think about it as just another game. It's the start of the season so there's going to be a couple of plays that you're going to want back, but you have to use it as a teaching tool and keep everything in perspective."
Hutchinson used Wednesday's game as a teaching tool. Even though he didn't dress, he did get a chance to scout the Islanders' rookies and also got some tips for Wednesday's starter Adam Courchaine and backup Matt Dalton.
"It was definitely a good learning tool to sit in the stands a bit and watch the game," said Hutchinson. "I talked to Adam Courchaine and Matt Dalton after the game. They were right down on the ice for it and helped me out a lot with some of the tendencies each [Islanders] player has."
Hutchinson is already aware of how a few of the Islanders play, as London teammates Justin Taylor and Steve Tarasuk are on the New York rookie roster.
"It's always nice when you play against some of your friends," said Hutchinson. "It just adds a little bit more competition to it, so I'm really looking forward to playing against them tonight."
Hutchinson hopes the reunion ends Thursday, however, as he doesn't want to go back to London for another year in juniors. At 20, he could play in the OHL again, but he's also eligible to be sent to the AHL or ECHL. He's competing with Courchaine and Dalton for the second spot in Providence's goaltending rotation alongside veteran Nolan Schaefer.
"I could be back as an overager, but my goal is not to be back in junior hockey," said Hutchinson, who played three seasons with Barrie before going to London last year. "Hopefully tonight I can play well and show the coaching staff that I'm ready to make the step up to the next level."
Bruins rookie coach Rob Murray, who also serves as Providence's head coach, anticipates a strong effort from Hutchinson on Thursday.
"I'm looking for him to do well," said Murray. "He's a big guy. He fills the net. He was very good in Kitchener last year [for the Bruins rookie tournament], but two years ago against the Islanders the nerves got to him a little bit. But I think he should be a lot more relaxed and I'm hoping he has a great game."
