Bruins opt for blue skies on break
Fun in the sun. That’s the game plan for some of the Bruins when the NHL’s winter vacation kicks in after tonight’s encounter with the Vegas Golden Knights at the TD Garden.
“I’m getting away and enjoying some sunshine, I’m working on my tan this year,” said Bruins defenseman Torey Krug.
Center Sean Kuraly is the designated travel guide for a Bruins & Friends excursion to Puerto Rico. Kuraly said the weather was “a little iffy” during last January’s sabbatical to the Bahamas so they scoped out destinations deeper in the Caribbean like Turks and Caicos and Aruba.
“I’m into relaxing, I’m going to do a whole lot of relaxing in Puerto Rico with teammates, “said Kuraly, a native of Dublin, Ohio. “I’ve never been and I’m excited and it’s a quick direct flight in the USA and it should be nice weather.”
Kuraly settled on Puerto Rico because it is a commonwealth of the United States, which eliminates border points of entry and extended downtime in airports. Kuraly’s entourage of young teammates includes Matt Grzelcyk, Anders Bjork, Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk.
“I’m going to be chillin’ like a villain my friend and I can’t wait,” said DeBrusk. “Nine days is a lot of time to hang out but I definitely need some rest and get a little healthier and balance some other things in there.”
Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo chose a popular destination that professional athletes with families like to visit after winning a championship.
“My girlfriend really wanted to go to Disney World so we are going to hang out with Mickey and Minnie and all those characters,” said Carlo.
“It will be fun and I’m not very good about sitting on a beach longer than a day. That’s a nice way to be up and active. It will be fun and
I have never been.”
Rask on the mend
Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (concussion) and center David Krejci (lower) skated prior to the team’s practice on Monday at Warrior Ice Arena in Brighton but are unlikely to suite up against the Golden Knights.
Krejci is expected to participate in the pregame skate and could be a game-time decision.
“Krejci didn’t participate in the physical part of the practice and it was harder than normal the day before a game,” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy.
“Him not being able to do that makes it most likely he wouldn’t play and if he does play, he will have nine days to recover. As for Tuukka, I don’t believe he would be ready but that’s my guess because of the nature of his injury.”
Miller time
Rugged defenseman Kevan Miller’s on again off again return to the lineup took a positive turn. Miller skated 15 minutes on his own on Sunday and did an off-ice workout on Monday. Miller suffered a damaged kneecap injury during last season’s playoff run that required surgery.
“He was doing off-ice workouts this morning and I don’t know if he is a every second day guy on the ice,” said Cassidy. “That’s the best I got.”
The Bruins need another big physical presence on the backend beyond captain Zdeno Chara, 42, and Carlo, who is too valuable to spend minutes languishing in the box.