Chinese checkers in

B’s fully back to U.S.

To say the Bruins are happy to be home would be an understatement.

In their first session back in the United States, most members of the squad that went to China found it easier to adjust back to the familiar time zone than they did during their foray overseas.

For the young players, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but with the regular season looming, their focus is back on work.

“I think a lot of the guys who were there are eager to be back,” winger Ryan Donato said. “China was a great time, but with the time difference and everything, a lot of different things factor in. Being home, being on a set schedule, enjoying the food a lot better, just getting back into the routine.”

In many ways, those who made the long journey share a newfound bond. However, it comes at the cost of having little time to make the adjustment back before the start of the regular season.

“There’s benefits on both sides,” Donato said. “We did get to work out, we did skate. We did get closer as a team. The guys bonded very well.”

Charlie McAvoy, entering his second full season and a main player on the blue line, missed the second game in China while feeling under the weather.

He did say he got closer with some teammates, but also leaving part of the group behind has him still adjusting upon return.

“I didn’t really realize it until we got back, but the bonding itself, we definitely did,” he said. “But you leave back half the team, some very vital parts of the team. We joke around, I live with (Anders Bjork) and you come home, I’m like, I forgot we were even on the same team.”

The time change on the trip from Boston to China weighed more heavily than the other direction. By the time the group got back on the ice yesterday, most claimed to already be back in sync.

But, with a 14-hour flight not too far behind them, it’s still going to take time.

“I hope it’s not too long,”

Twitter: @Marisa_Ingemi said Donato. “I’m still feeling it a bit, I’m sure all the guys are. I’ve been sleeping well, I get tired at some parts during the day, but other than that I’m staying hydrated and making sure I sleep when I get home.”For the players other than Donato and McAvoy, who seem to have established roles entering the season, fighting for a roster spot while flipping time zones is a challenge.“It was a very tough situation, especially for a young guy to be in,” said veteran winger Brad Marchand, who was skating in China on a line with 19-year-old Jack Studnicka, who is a thirdline hopeful for the Bruins. “I kind of feel bad for the guys who were there who were trying to make an impression on the group, having to go through everything that went on over there. It’s a lot easier as an older guy when we’re secure with where we’re at on the team.”The Bruins open the regular season on Oct. 3 in Washington against the defending champions, but they won’t get on the ice as a full unit until Tuesday.That’s when they will start to find chemistry.“You want to feel in the preseason like you’re always going up,” said McAvoy. “Every practice you come out of it like, you’re better today. Until you finally hit a stride and you’re like: OK, bring on Washington, I’m ready to go.”

STAFF PHOTOS BY FAITH NINIVAGGI TOGETHER AGAIN: Above, coach Bruce Cassidy skates during training camp at Warrior Ice Arena Friday, when the Bruins worked out as a split squad for a final time before teammates returned from China. At right, Anders Bjork is watched by goalie coach Bob Essena.