Grzelcyk gears up for return to ice
TORONTO — As expected, Matt Grzelcyk took part in the Bruins’ practice at Air Canada Centre yesterday after missing Game 3 with a lower body injury.
He wasn’t definitively declared a go for tonight’s Game 4, but it seemed to be trending that way. He took the first shift with his regular partner Adam McQuaid and was able to stay out on the ice for the session.
“We’re not sure yet,” said Grzelcyk when asked if he’ll be ready. “I had a good day of practice, so it was nice to get back out there.”
Since coming up to Boston for good on November 22, Grzelcyk, who had some injury trouble at Boston University, played all but three games and was able to maintain his health throughout the rigors of the NHL schedule.
“Yeah, it’s tough, obviously. You never want to sit out of a game and watch. It sucks. You never want to be on the sidelines. I feel like I’ve watched a few too many games in college my last two years so hopefully I won’t have to watch too many more,” said Grzelcyk.
The B’s could use Grzelcyk’s quickness and his abilities in the transition game.
“Let’s go matchups. If he’s playing against the fourth line, those guys are gone, (Andreas) Johnsson and (Kasperi) Kapanen, so he’s got the foot speed to match that part of their game when they take off,” said B’s coach Bruce Cassidy. “In transition, just like they want to counter, we’ve been a pretty good transition team all year and striking off turnovers and punted pucks if they’re not structured. He adds to that. He’s a guy who can get it up in a hurry. He doesn’t always have to go D-to-D. He gets around, it’s gone. He usually delivers a good pass.
“That’s the part of the game we missed the other night. Nick (Holden) was fine, but that’s Grizz’s strength. I think he defended very well for a young guy in the league. For a guy that’s 175 pounds, he’s done a real good job figuring out how to defend . . . . Like I said, Nick was fine, but we’ll see what (Gzelcyk) can bring (Thursday) if he’s ready to go.”
Strong stuff
While Auston Matthews is the main man for the Maple Leafs and focal point for any opponent, his fellow sophomore Mitch Marner has given the Bruins fits over the past two seasons and in Game 3 was able to get behind the B’s defense to set up Patrick Marleau on a 2-on-1. His best asset is his speed, but Cassidy admires his makeup as well.
In eight games against the Bruins he’s got 4-9-13 totals and he’s got a goal and three assists in the first three games of this series.
“I think he’s been their most dangerous player against us. I like his will. He’s got a lot of second effort,” said Cassidy. “In Boston, Kevan Miller hit him and Tim Schaller, too, clean hits and he kept coming back. So the kid is obviously a very competitive player. And besides the obvious, I think it’s his willingness to hang onto the puck and separate from people. And he’s got some of that (David Krejci) in him when he’s got it in open ice he’s a threat to shoot or pass. He sees everything and the game slows down for him. I don’t enjoy playing against him because he’s a good player, but I enjoy watching him play the game. He’s competitive, he’s got skill and speed and he wants the puck.”
Down and out
Leo Komarov (lower body) did not practice with the Leafs yesterday and coach Mike Babcock ruled him out of Game 4 . . . .
Patrice Bergeron was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward, along with Sean Couturier of the Flyers and Anze Kopitar of the Kings. It would be a record fifth Selke honor for Bergeron if he wins . . . .
The NHL announced that Game 5 on Saturday at the Garden will start at 8 p.m.