WILMINGTON, Mass. — The word at Bruins practice on Tuesday was “status quo.”
Head coach Claude Julien again termed center David Krejci “probable” for the season opener against the Capitals on Thursday and said there were no other injury concerns.
The lines (below) remain the same for the Bruins. The only change is that they will be using new defenseman Derek Morris on the point for the power play more often, as it appears he and the usual point man, Patrice Bergeron, will split duties there.
“You’re likely to see a little bit of both,” Julien said. “[Bergeron] might play a little there and then play a little up front. It just depends on how the first few games go and how comfortable each guy is.”
Other than that, the general feeling around the dressing room is, “Game on!”
“We’re just ready to get going,” Morris said. “I think, for the younger guys, maybe there’s some butterflies right now, but overall, we’re ready and looking forward to playing in front of our own fans.”
Veteran Mark Recchi, who has seen his fair share of openers, enters his 21st season in the NHL sharing the same sentiments.
“At this point, you just want to get going,” Recchi said. “We’ve got a strong team here, and we know what we’re capable of. Now it’s time to go out and do it.”
Last year, many didn’t expect the Bruins to make the playoffs, let alone finish first in the Eastern Conference, but now they have a bull’s-eye on their backs as the team to beat. Many prognosticators are picking them to make the Finals and even win their first Stanley Cup since 1972. But the players claim they won’t change a thing when it comes to preparing for and playing the games.
“I went to the Finals with Calgary when we weren’t expected to do much, and then we came back and still finished first,” defenseman Andrew Ference said. “I think you just play every team the same whether they’re eighth or first. That’s how I’ve always played. Sure, teams get up for the better teams to prove they can play with them, but if you change your game for the opponent, then you’re in trouble.”
The Bruins will practice at Ristuccia Arena on Wednesday and then have their first game-day skate of the 2010-11 season prior to Thursday’s opener.
Here are the latest lines:
Forwards
Milan Lucic-Marc Savard-Marco Sturm
Blake Wheeler-David Krejci-Michael Ryder
Mark Recchi-Patrice Bergeron-Chuck Kobasew
Shawn Thornton-Steve Begin/Vladimir Sobotka-Byron Bitz
Defenseman
Zdeno Chara-Derek Morris
Andrew Ference-Dennis Wideman
Mark Stuart-Matt Hunwick/Johnny Boychuk
Goalies
Tim Thomas
Tuukka Rask
