DEBRUSK OUT VS. PENS
Struggling scorer odd man out
The Bruins’ 1- 0 loss on Sunday produced a tough love opportunity for coach BRuCE CASSIDy going into Tuesday’s rematch against the Penguins.
As was telegraphed by the lines in Monday’s practice, JAKE DEBRuSK got the healthy scratch treatment again while TRENt FREDERIC drew back into the lineup for the first time since April 6 when a nonCOVID illness put him on the sidelines.
The left-shooting DeBrusk, who was moved to the right side after the trade deadline acquisition of left wing TAyLOR HALL, has two assists and no goals in the eight games since the deadline.
“We just need a higher compete level. Every player is at a different place in their career here and we just talked to him about the standard we expect him to play to. Everyone’s going to have an off night, but that’s the message,” said Cassidy Tuesday. “It’s not about individual stats, it’s about helping this team to win. In order to do that, if guys aren’t scoring — and I’ll put him in that category, there’s a few others, for sure — then help us win. We’re in the home stretch here. We need whatever it takes from player one through 20 in the lineup that particular night to help us win. We have to make sure we get in the playoffs and then worry
about what seed we are and get to our game every night. We feel if we play to our standard, play to our level every game, we will get in. And from there, who knows what happens. That’s the messaging to him. He’s not alone in terms of some of his numbers not being where you want them to be. But at this time of year, that has to be secondary (to) playing for the crest on the front, second effort and compete level. It needs to be higher for him. Like I said, he’s not alone. There are a few oth
ers. But that’s the decision we’re making ( Tuesday).”
As for Frederic, it had been a while before he’d had a positive impact on a game. In his previous eight games played, he did not have a point and was minus-4.
“He’s got to just play his game and just do his part,” said Cassidy. “He’s missed some time, we expect there to be a little bit of rust no matter when he went back in. Maybe rust isn’t the right word, just getting his timing back, help his line create something off his forecheck, be physical when it’s there, but get the feet moving, get the motor going early. Just make sure you have some pace to your game. I think the rest will fall into place and then we’ll coach him up as we go, whatever details are lacking or whatever needs to be reinforced.”
Between the pipes
TUUkka Rask got the nod for Tuesday’s game against the Penguins, but Cassidy did not yet have a goaltending plan for the rest of the week, or at least one he was ready to share.
The coach did concede that rookie Jeremy Swayman‘s excellent play has made it tough to get Jaroslav Halak, who was on the COVID list for two weeks, some playing time. And it’s not getting any easier.
“Yeah, there’s no doubt. He’s the one who’s been pushed out a little bit. Now some of that was by circumstance. There was an injury to Tuukka and Jaro went into COVID, so there was an opportunity for others. And Swayman’s grabbed that. He’s been excellent for us. Hard to find fault in any of his games,” said Cassidy. “If it was more the middle of the year, it would be easier to allow Jaro to find his game again, but we’re limited now in how many games we have left. We had a No. 1 who played one game in (five weeks) so he’s got to get his timing back. And we’ve got another young kid who’s played real well since he’s been put in the net. It’s a good problem to have. Unfortunately for Jaro, he’s the one that’s probably losing out on an opportunity to get back in there.”
Third-line woes
Sean KUraly was slated to play third line center with the struggling Charlie Coyle on his right wing. The move was designed at least in part to help Coyle, without a goal in 27
games, to get on track. But Kuraly, when asked about Coyle’s drought and how it might affect the focus of his own game, said he needs to keep that out of his mind.
“It’s not like we’re oblivious to what’s going on, but that can be a bit of a distraction,” said Kuraly. “I think for me, what I tell myself after a comment like that, is to focus on my game and doing what I do best. Everything else falls into place.”
Capacity increase
If the Bruins can make the postseason, they’ll be getting more support for home games. Among the new COVID protocols announced Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced that on May 10 fan capacity at arenas and stadiums will be increased from 12% to 25%.
“We talk about it all the time how cool it would be if we get some more people in the building,” said Craig SmiTh. “I think the fans who’ve come to the game so far have done a fantastic job. If we get a couple more jammed in there, it will be a lot of fun.”
Odds and ends
Connor ClifTon returned to Tuesday’s lineup after sitting two games while STeven Kampfer was scratched.