Returning from their bye week/All-Star break, the Bruins return to action Tuesday night when they host the Winnipeg Jets at TD Garden. The game follows a day of roster moves.
On Monday, the Bruins placed goalie Tuukka Rask on IR with a concussion. The move is retroactive to January 19th. Rask’s condition has improved while the Bruins were off the ice, and head coach Bruce Cassidy is hopeful that Rask will skate Tuesday morning.
"I don't think it's long-term, he won't play [Tuesday]. Hopefully gets on the ice, that's kind of the plan where he's at,… Cassidy said. “Obviously he's day-to-day right now. It will be his call. That's how we see it playing out and if he's on the ice, Thursday [against Philadelphia] becomes a possibility. I think he's doing well, looks good."
Jaroslav Halak will get the start against the Jets, with Zane McIntyre serving as the backup.
To conclude their Monday moves, Ryan Donato and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson were sent down to Providence while Peter Cehlarik and Trent Frederic were recalled.
In 37 games with the Baby B’s, Frederic had 10 goals and seven assists.
As you may remember, Frederic was given much opportunity to win himself the job on the third line as the center position remained a battle throughout training camp. After failing to do so in September, Frederic will be given another shot to earn himself a spot on the line.
Frederic, who missed three weeks in November with a concussion is excited to finally make his NHL debut Tuesday night.
"I'm happy to be here. It's a dream come true, for sure,… said Frederic. “I guess just playing hard, consistent, playing a kind of physical game that I've been trying to build up to and try to get here."
The spot that is now Frederic’s was previously held by Forsbacka Karlsson. As much as Forsbacka Karlsson has improved, he’s still not at the level of consistency the Bruins need from him.
"I thought JFK was improving as well, but not to the point where we felt we couldn't make the switch and it hurt the hockey club," said Cassidy. "So we are going to take a look at Freddy. A little bigger opponents [Tuesday], Washington Sunday, Philly [on Thursday], so might be a good time to look at him while he's playing well and the opponents.…
Sending Donato down should come as no surprise. The rookie has had issues all season adjusting to life in the NHL. Strong on the puck and his skates, winning puck battles and working on his all-around game are some of things Cassidy says he wants to see Donato work on in Providence.
Joakim Nordstrom joined the Bruins Monday morning, his first time skating with the team since being sidelined with a fractured fibula. Nordstrom is expected back Tuesday night.
The Bruins lines Monday looked like this:
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-David Pastrnak Peter Cehlarik-David Krejci-Jake DeBrusk Danton Heinen-Trent Frederic-David Backes Joakim Nordstrom-Sean Kuraly/Noel Acciari-Chris Wagner
Zdeno Chara-Charlie McAvoy Torey Krug-Brandon Carlo Matt Grzelcyk-Kevan Miller John Moore-Steven Kampfer
The Jets returned to action Monday night with a 3-1 loss to the Flyers in Philadelphia. The Jets once again will be without Dustin Byfuglien and Nikolaj Ehlers.