Bruins, Claude Julien Not Letting David Krejci’s Flu Derail Focus

by

Nov 5, 2009

The Bruins and Canadiens took their morning skates on Thursday in preparation for the first game of the season between these longtime rivals, and the biggest news coming out of the TD Garden was that Bruins center David Krejci was diagnosed with H1N1 flu and will be isolated from the team and unable to play. He is listed as day-to-day.

The Bruins were clearly taken aback by the situation, but as the players point out, there isn’t much more to do than what they’re already doing to prevent another player or member of the team from getting the flu, which has already been contracted by five different NHL players. As head coach Claude Julien pointed out after his team’s skate, no one will be feeling sorry for the already depleted Bruins lineup, and the team must handle this like it approaches any other challenge.

"I don’t think anybody cares besides our dressing room," Julien said. "We just have to deal with our own issues and hope that he gets better quickly. That is the reality of what is going on in North America these days, and we’ll be aware of it and do the best we can. Our team has done that. Our doctors and everyone involved are taking all the precautions we can to avoid it. Unfortunately, it’s still around us."

According to Julien, "at least a half a dozen" more hand sanitizers have been installed around the Bruins’ dressing room, and the players are taking more precautions.

"You try to use them every time you come off the ice and when you leave the dressing room, and you do your best to stay healthy,” defenseman Derek Morris said. "But you have to play, and you have to live your life."

Krejci is now listed as day-to-day, with Vladimir Sobotka sliding into his spot as the second-line center. Steve Begin will most likely slide in as the third-line pivot, and Trent Whitfield will take over at center on the fourth line. As for where everyone else ends up, we’ll have to wait and see as Julien was rotating his wingers in and out of lines.

Tim Thomas will get the start in net against Carey Price. Reportedly, the Canadiens' other goaltender, Jaroslav Halak, who has a better record, has a groin injury. Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin decided to play it safe and go with Price, despite his recent struggles.

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