WILMINGTON, Mass. — The Boston Bruins returned to practice Friday at Ristuccia Arena as they prepare to play the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday at TD Garden.
Boston extended its win streak to five games Thursday night with a 3-0 win over the New York Rangers. The Bruins have three more games before the NHL schedule pauses for the All-Star break.
“We like our game as of late, we’re getting better all the time and it’s important we finish strong,” Bruins head coach Claude Julien said. “It makes the break a lot more enjoyable. And when you come back, you want to take off where you left off, so hopefully we end on a good note here.”
Here are the lines and pairings used at practice:
Milan Lucic-David Krejci-David Pastrnak
Daniel Paille/Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Reilly Smith
Chris Kelly-Carl Soderberg-Loui Eriksson
Jordan Caron-Gregory Campbell-Craig Cunningham
Zdeno Chara-Dougie Hamilton
Dennis Seidnbrg-Adam McQuaid
Torey Krug-Kevan Miller
Matt Bartkowski
— Torey Krug extended his point streak to five games with two assists Thursday night. His first assist was a beautiful slap-pass to David Krejci for Boston’s second goal, and Krug has seven assists during his point streak. One of the challenges for Krug as an undersized defenseman is winning puck battles in the defensive zone, but he has improved in that area since his rookie season.
“He continues to evolve,” Julien said. “When he first came here, it was about getting used to playing against bigger and stronger guys and how you overcome that as a defenseman. He’s gotten smarter. Our main thing with him, if he can come out with the puck in the corner, it doesn’t have to be physical, he just has to be smart. I think he’s catching on to that, as well.”
— Veteran defenseman Adam McQuaid has played in seven games since returning to the lineup Jan. 3 following a two-month absence because of a broken finger. Julien likes what McQuaid is giving the team on the back end.
“Adam’s a real steady defenseman,” Julien said. “The only issue we’ve ever had with Adam is trying to keep him healthy. When he’s out there and he plays, he’s a defenseman players don’t like playing against. He’s big, he’s tough but also very reliable. He’s a great shot blocker, he’ll stick up for his teammate, he’s got a lot of qualities.”
— Brad Marchand has a phone hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for an alleged slew foot on New York Rangers forward Derick Brassard in Thursday’s game.
“I’m going to refrain from comment,” Julien said. “I’ll see what (the league says)Â and go from there.”
— Craig Cunningham has been a good fit on the fourth line in Shawn Thornton’s old right wing spot alongside Gregory Campbell and Daniel Paille. Cunningham has played in 20 games for Boston this season and has two goals.
“He’s been good. He’s a guy we can rely on for faceoffs, he can play center as well,” Julien said. “Versatility is important for us, and he’s a hard worker. He comes to play every game, plays hard, practices hard all the time. He’s a character person. … He’s a smart player. I think he makes a lot of smart decisions out there.”
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
