Spooner skates but remains on ice
BRUINS NOTEBOOK
VANCOUVER — There was a familiar face on the ice when the Bruins skated here yesterday.
Ryan Spooner, who hasn’t played since last Monday because of a concussion, took part in the team’s practice at Rogers Arena, which was a welcomed sign as the Bruins continue to try to lock down an Eastern Conference playoff spot.
Interim coach Bruce Cassidy ruled out the possibility of Spooner returning to the lineup tonight when the B’s face the beleaguered Vancouver Canucks. He did, however, leave the door open to Spooner possibly returning to game action on Wednesday when they play the Calgary Flames as part of this four-game road trip.
When healthy, it’s likely Spooner will return to his role as the team’s third-line center, which is where Cassidy prefers to play him.
“When he’s healthy, he won’t lose his spot because of injury — unless something really changes quickly here,” Cassidy said. “But that’s the plan.”
Another forward, Tim Schaller, will not be available throughout this trip due to a lower-body injury. Schaller didn’t travel with the team.
Plea for consistency
Frank Vatrano was a prolific scorer during his time with AHL Providence, averaging a goal a game last season at that level.
It would be wildly unrealistic to think he could maintain that same pace in the NHL, although the 22-year-old winger has now gone six games without a goal, and been held without a registered shot on net in two of his last three games.
During yesterday’s brief skate, Vatrano was paired on a line with winger Matt Beleskey and Riley Nash in the middle.
Cassidy isn’t overly concerned with this scoring drought. What would be problematic is if it extended well beyond six games and Vatrano wasn’t getting or creating scoring chances. The coach emphasized the need for Vatrano to consistently be a presence on the forecheck, using his speed to be physical and force turnovers.
“I’d imagine he is frustrated, somewhat,” Cassidy said. “But part of being a good pro is to park that and make sure that when your opportunity does come, you’re ready for it.
“We see it at times; we don’t see it consistently,” added Cassidy about Vatrano’s ability to be more physical and aggressive. “That’s our job as coaches, to encourage him to bring that part of his game. He can get there. And when you can get there and you’re willing to eliminate (opposing players), then you should do it. It’s a strength.”
Grass isn’t greener
Former Bruins forward Loui Eriksson didn’t skate with his Canucks teammates yesterday. He’s currently out with an injury suffered March 5, and it now appears he won’t be able to play tonight.
It’s been a forgetful first season for Eriksson in Vancouver.
Having left the B’s to sign a lucrative six-year, $36 million contract with the Canucks last July, the 31-year-old Eriksson had just 11 goals and 24 points in 65 games before the injury. That represents a massive decline in overall production, after he scored 30 last season.
Eriksson’s struggles have been a microcosm of the entire season for the Canucks. Scoring has been a problem since October and now injuries and illness have ravaged their roster heading into tonight’s contest.