Assignments still don’t line up
BRUINS NOTEBOOK
Despite most of the top-six forward spots being secure, the Bruins have plenty of line shuffling to do.
By the time all is said and done, the Bruins will be in Washington for their first regular-season game with just two preseason contests as a full group to get a feel for line chemistry.
With players like Patrice Bergeron, Noel Acciari and Anders Bjork yet to get into a game, that leaves plenty of questions.
With Bjork banged up and not taking full contact in practice, there’s still the issue of finding versatility on the wings.
Ryan Donato has started to see more time on the right side, something the Bruins had been reluctant to do.
“Some of it is circumstance, we’re looking to fill that spot,” coach Bruce Cassidy said. “Danton Heinen has looked really good, from what I’ve been told. Those are options A and B right now to play in that spot.”
Heinen has skated with David Krejci during the preseason, including last night in Detroit. Donato, meanwhile, has seen time with David Backes and Trent Frederic in China, and in line rushes at camp yesterday morning.
Despite making an impression late in the season as a rookie, this is Donato’s first season starting with the NHL club, and he’s already showing his versatility, or willingness, to play on different wings.
Part of that is just his comfort level from an offseason being around the team.
“I was lucky enough to get to know the guys at the end of the season,” he said. “But now I really get to know them, know the personalities of each guy as a person and not just a player.”
More attention has been heeded at the third-line center battle, and while Jack Studnicka has built some chemistry with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak while Bergeron has been out, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson’s impact with some of the younger forwards has also been noted.
“JFK had a little easier time with the younger players, Jake (DeBrusk) and Donato,” said Cassidy. “I think JFK, he’s a bit of an introvert, so he’s going to need some reps with some of those high-end guys.”
Likely just one of the centers will make the team, and that answer could come tomorrow or Tuesday, but the wing spot is also heating up, and Donato may have the inside track.
“One thing about Ryan is he just plays,” Cassidy said. “He doesn’t really overthink what side of the ice he’s on, his strength is still offense. He’s going to produce no matter what side. It’s the little things like taking the pass off your backhand, the puck off the wall. Until he plays a few more games, probably hard to say he’s better on one side of the ice.”
Bergy ‘progressing’
Bergeron will continue his skating regimen before the rest of the team takes the ice this morning. He skated twice during the week, amping up the pace on Friday.
“He’s still skating with the injured guys,” Cassidy said. “He’s progressing on his own time table right now. Don’t anticipate he’ll play (tomorrow). In fact, quite a few of our veteran guys probably won’t. We’ll try to get them in on the home games.”
Vets add depth
Daniel Winnik and Lee Stempniak joined the team in Detroit last night, and both still provide depth as bottom-six wingers, despite all signs indicating the Bruins will go in the direction of more youth.
“He’s been as advertised,” Cassidy said of Winnik. “He’s a puck possession guy, puts it in good places. So far he’s been good for what we’re looking for if that’s the way we want to go.”
Axel makes impression
Second-round pick Axel Andersson has been paired with Zdeno Chara throughout camp, and the coaching staff has taken note of his play.
“He’s a pretty dynamic player,” Cassidy said. “He doesn’t look like he lacks confidence out there, he’s going to make the plays that he sees. He’s young . . . . I’ve been impressed with him so far.”
Defenseman Jakub Zboril has been banged up, giving Andersson possibly a few more reps on an already crowded blue line.