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No longer requiring medical clearance to return from the undisclosed injury that put him out of commission for the last three games, Boston Bruins rookie Jake DeBrusk is ready to get back at it.
Confirmed to be in tonight’s lineup against the visiting Arizona Coyotes and expected to be in his usual spot to the left of David Krejci on Boston’s second line, according to B’s head coach Bruce Cassidy, the 21-year-old DeBrusk knows what he has to do for the team.
“Just bring my energy, my speed, and do anything to help the team win,… DeBrusk said of his goals for tonight. “It’s going to be a lot of fun to get back in the mix, I’m looking forward to it.…
Not that there’s ever a ‘good time’ to miss games due to injury, but DeBrusk’s latest departure really could not have happened at a worse time for the crafty winger, who had two goals and six points in five games before the injury, and with 18 shots on goal over that span.
“You never want to miss hockey when you’re playing your best,… admitted DeBrusk. “I’m looking to continue that. It wasn’t too long ago, so I still remember [how to play like that].
“Pucks were going in. I think I was getting rewarded. I had my legs in those games, and that’s my biggest focus. I think that when I’m skating like that, I generate more chances.…
DeBrusk’s return means that the Bruins need to make a roster move of some sort, but it doesn’t sound as if it’ll be the major one that’s hanging over this team, as Ryan Spooner (lower-body) seems likely to be moved to the injured reserve ahead of tonight’s game.
B’s defenseman Torey Krug, who missed Wednesday’s practice with what the team called a maintenance day, will also be in the lineup tonight.
This game will conclude the season series with the Coyotes. The Bruins took their only prior head-to-head this season by a 6-2 final in Arizona, and have won 11 straight games against the Coyotes, dating back to opening night (day) in Prague back in 2010.
Loose pucks: Matt Beleskey, Frank Vatrano, and Paul Postma are your expected healthy scratches… Zac Rinaldo will skate against the Bruins for the first time since the Bruins cut ties with the polarizing winger this past summer. Rinaldo has two goals and three points in 25 games for the ‘Yotes… The Coyotes have earned points in seven of their last 10 games (5-3-2).
Ty Anderson is the Boston Bruins beat writer for WEEI.com, and has been covering the National Hockey League for HockeyBuzz.com since 2010. He can be heard on the Saturday Skate program on 93.7 WEEI (Boston), and has been part of the Boston Chapter of the PHWA since 2013. Contact him on Twitter or send him an email at Ty.AndersonHB[at]gmail.com.