Bruins Mailbag - The Return Of Patrice Bergeron
B's are back in Boston after their 6-1 shit pumping of the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday night and guess what? They're getting healthyyyyy. Patrice Bergeron is back in the lineup tonight after a funky LBI. Gonna answer some questions and then get into news notes and quotes.
What's going on with Debrusk?
He's only been back for one game since his "fluke" leg injury in Montreal. He had a great opportunity in New Jersey early in the game and I was hoping he'd tuck one to get his confidence back. But I'm not worried about him. Just have to be patient.
While I agree with that to an extent - I think Krejci needs to have consistent linemates. It's just been a revolving door since everyone has been hurt this year. Could be on to something though.
Grzelcyk or Krug?
Why not both? I think you saw flashes of what Gryzzy can bring to the table in a larger role against New Jersey, but again, it was against New Jersey. Need to see it consistently. Not a knock on Gryz, just think filling Torey Krug's shoes is no easy task. In a perfect world you keep both. Krug will be back in the lineup on Saturday.
Does McAvoy playing with Chara hinder or help?
I think McAvoy playing with Chara helps Chara more than it does Chuckie. It was a quick plug for the Grzelcyk - McAvoy pairing but I think ultimately it's better if 73 plays with 33 in terms of defense. 33 - 73 play tough minutes against tough competition and while he hasn't scored yet this season I think it's a matter of time for McAvoy. The offense will come.
Do you foresee the Bruins scratching Ritchie once Senyshyn becomes healthy again? He seemed to be playing very well for the Bruins before the injury bug bit.
Shout out to Senyshyn who is a friend of the program, thought he was playing well before he got hurt. He can't come back until December and Ritchie can't seem to get over this infected elbow either. So it's going to be interesting who's in when everyone is healthy (whenever that may be). I don't think necessarily one would go in over the other. But Senyshyn deserves another look for sure when he's 100%.
Pasta is having a fantastic start to the season. Have you seen anything he may be doing differently from last year that is attributing to his historic success?
Well he's healthy now. I just think it's a matter of playing with 2 outstanding players in Marchand and Bergeron and him just being an elite goal scorer. I've said it a million times the outcome of last year's Cup Final is different if he's 100%, but that's the nature of the playoffs, every team is banged up. But he's on a tear right now and I don't see him slowing down. He's a good kid.
Buy or sell "Load Management" for Patrice?
Patrice is always going to say he wants to play, but if Bruce Cassidy can keep him fresh I'm all for it. It was a short summer and he has some nagging injuries. Rather be safe than sorry. No one can replace Patrice Bergeron.
When is the pod coming back?
Will try and get a mini episode out tomorrow after tonight's game, then another episode after the Black Friday game.
News, notes and quotes:
- Like I said, Patrice Bergeron returns to the lineup tonight unless something happens between now and 6:30 pm. Perfection Line reunited after Marchand's 3 point night, Pastrnak's 2 goal night vs. NJ.
- Brett Ritchie will be out, his infected elbow is acting up again. Which means Charlie Coyle is moving up to play with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. Par Lindholm will center Anders Bjork and Danton Heinen.
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- Torey Krug skated and is likely to return Saturday if all goes well.
- Bruce Cassidy didn't get good news on injured RW Karson Kuhlman - sounds like he's gonna be in a boot longer than expected.
- Old friend Marcus Johansson is "probable" to play tonight after being out due to injury for the Sabres. Obviously Jack Eichel is the player to watch - he's got 25 points (13 goals and 12 assists) in 21 games this year.
Tuukka Time tonight. Puck drops at 7pm.
It's a great night to win a hockey game.