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Ready or not, here comes the regular season

September 29, 2018, 11:35 PM ET [3 Comments]
Anthony Travalgia
Boston Bruins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Bruins got off to a fast start with five wins in six preseason contests, but in their final two contests before next Wednesday's season opener, things have not looked all that pretty.

The B's followed up Wednesday's lackluster performance against the Red Wings with another dud Saturday in a 4-1 loss to the Flyers.

As many of the Bruins have admitted over the course of the last week or so, this training camp was an unusual one for the Bruins as the team's trip to China threw a curveball into things. With the team split into two different groups for most of camp, and some players not consistently on the ice due to injuries, it's hard to read how the Bruins preseason truly went.

But whether they're ready or not, here comes the 2018-19 regular season.

Understandably so, head coach Bruce Cassidy wasn't too pleased with his team following Saturday's loss. Between now and Wednesday's puck drop in Washington, Cassidy knows there are some things that have to be worked on.

"Our respect for the game. That means puck management, details, stopping and starting on pucks," Cassidy said. "Some of that, you allow your veteran guys to play through in hope that their habits will come back to them quickly, but we have some guys that are second-year players that are struggling with that right now."

The Bruins were the benefits of several excellent rookie campaigns last season. Guys like Jake DeBrusk, Charlie McAvoy, Danton Heinen and Anders Bjork all found success at different times. But with last season in the rear view mirror, sometimes the younger guys need a reminder that things in the National Hockey League don't always come easy.

"They need to be reminded that 80-100 games under your belt is good, a good building block, but as Zee [Zdeno Chara] pointed out you want to continue to establish yourself as a true NHLer. And I think our guys need to be reminded of the details of why they were successful last year. I think a few of them have gotten away from that, to be honest with you."

Part of the issue the Bruins have faced in the preseason has been the inability to have their full lineup ready and available. As I mentioned above, the trip to China and some nagging injuries have been the cause of that.

"Exhibition, we ended up winning five games, losing one, getting two in overtime," added Cassidy. "If you just look at that, there were points accumulated, which is important, but I don’t think our overall play is anywhere where we want it to be. Part of that is lineups. We still haven’t seen our true team. I’m an optimist. I’m hoping that come Wednesday we’re more dialed in as an overall group with some of those details."

Bodies like Patrice Bergeron and Matt Grzelcyk should be ready to go for Wednesday, as neither skated in Saturday's contest with Bergeron unable to go in any of the Bruins preseason tilts. If Bergeron and Grzelcyk are healthy enough for Wednesday, the Bruins may still be minus one key piece to their team puzzle.

Torey Krug left Saturday's contest in the first period with what the Bruins say is a lower-body injury. However, the Athletic's Joey McDonald is reporting Krug was seen in a walking boot after leaving the game. Cassidy didn't have much of an update after the loss.

"He left the game, first period intermission I was told he wasn’t coming back. Lower body injury," Cassidy said. "I haven’t seen him since. I was just watching the highlights of the third period, so, lowlights I guess is probably a better term, so I have no idea. I assume if there’s something there it’ll be updated tomorrow (Sunday).

Losing Krug for an extended period of time would be a tough pill for the Bruins to swallow, especially to begin the season. But the Bruins do have the luxury of seven NHL-ready defensemen, and a rookie who has made one heck of a case to make the team.

Urho Vaakanainen was yet again impressive in Saturday's contest and has done everything right so far in September. If Krug is indeed out for a bit, it may be the 19-year old Vaakanainen getting a much earlier than expected shot at the NHL level.

"To answer your question, though, yes. He’s (Vaakanainen) been fine, real composed. He’s been doing a real good job for us. Now, told him in NHL game when things ramp up a little bit it’ll be a different animal, but from what we’ve been able to evaluate he’s been very good," said Cassidy.

Vaakanainen has been happy with his play so far. Getting his first taste of hockey in North America, Vaakanainen knows whatever happens next in his hockey career is out of his hands.

"I feel good. I think I had a good training camp," Vaakanainen said. "Now I just have to wait what the coaches decide, and I think I did my best, so I can be proud of it."

Does Vaakanainen think he's NHL ready? Why yes, yes he does.

"Yeah, sure. I think I can play in the NHL, NHL decisions," he said. "But, it’s the coaches’ decision, so just have to wait for it."

From the statuses of Bergeron, Grzelcyk and now Krug, to the second line right wing and third line center, as well as Vaakanainen's entry level contract, much is left up in the air for the Bruins.

But time is running out for the Bruins to get things lined up, puck drops on the new season Wednesday night where the defending Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals will be waiting.
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