WASHINGTON, D.C.–Anton Stralman is signed and sealed, however formally supply of the veteran defenseman must wait.
Stralman — signed to a one-year, $1 million contract after a profitable tryout — remained ineligible to play for the Bruins within the season opener in Washington on Wednesday due to visa points. But each time he is able to swimsuit up, the precise shot defenseman shall be a welcome addition to a blueline corps that s heavy on left photographs. Coach Jim Montgomery likes the 36-year-old Swede’s savvy.
“The way he thinks the game, the way he quickly makes decisions to get pucks out of our end and the poise he has at the offensive blue line,” stated Montgomery of the Stralman attributes that can assist.
Montgomery stated that, relying on the matchup, Stralman may see a while together with his countryman Hampus Lindholm.
Stralman stated he wasn’t assured till Tuesday {that a} deal would get finished, however was blissful together with his camp.
“And I truly appreciate that they liked what they saw,” stated Stralman. “When you come into something like this, you just go day by day, trying to do the best work that you can, trying to get to know the guys, be a good teammate. At the end of the day, it’s out of your hands, right? But obviously very excited to have it official and be here for this year. Like I’ve said, this team has a lot of potential and a good mix of players in their prime, veterans who know what it takes, two good goaltenders. I’m excited.”
Stralman sifted by means of quite a lot of PTO gives however Boston’s was the one which intrigued him essentially the most.
“There’s a lot of things you’re looking at.,Obviously. I know I’m at the tail end of my career, and as years and years go by you’re looking for an opportunity to go deep and have a chance to win,” stated Stralman. “That’s the main reason why I chose this PTO was because I think this team has a lot of those ingredients you need. Very happy that it worked out, and I’m excited.”
Stralman likes the system that Montgomery is implementing, which requires an aggressive method from the D-men and likened it to his time with the Lightning.
“I ‘m confident. I think he’s one of those coaches that kind of comes in and has a little new take on how to play and making sure everybody’s active defensively and just the way hockey’s going, joining the rush,” stated Stralman. “Some Ds are basically a fourth forward. I’ve been in systems like that before — Tampa. (Jon) Cooper, they know each other. They play similar systems. And it’s fun. It’s fun to play in those systems when you’re supposed to join the rush and be part of the offense as much as you’re out there defending. It’s very motivating as a defender.”
Lauko’s believes uncommon coaching will assist
Jakub Lauko admitted he had a tough time sleeping on Tuesday night time in anticipation of constructing his NHL debut within the season opener.
“But I’m really excited. I’m not nervous. I just feel the excitement and just feel like it’s a privilege to be here,” stated Lauko, who obtained phrase from Montgomery in Tuesday’s observe that he had certainly made the roster.
Lauko was set to make his debut on the fourth line taking part in the on the precise facet – his off wing – with heart Tomas Nosek and left wing Nick Foligno. Like many Europeans, Lauko stated he’s performed on the off wing fairly a bit.
“I don’t mind it. I just have to handle pucks on my backhand, that’s all,” he stated.
Lauko had a tough, injury-marred season final yr in Providence, throughout which he admitted that he harbored some doubts on whether or not it could occur for him in North America.
“I had lost all my confidence I had had in previous years. I just hit the hockey rock bottom,” stated Lauko, who scored a pait of targets within the preseason.
In the offseason, the scrappy winger tried to wipe the slate clear, each mentally and bodily. He took three weeks off to journey round Europe with some buddies and spend time with household. And then he obtained into some completely different coaching strategies, doing a little Greco-Roman wrestling and Muay thai kickboxing.
“It’s crazy, crazy how hard it is,” stated Lauko of the wrestling. “I was sitting in the locker room after the training and thinking ‘what the hell did I drag myself into.’ I couldn’t even lift my hands or stand up. It was hard, but I feel like it’s going to pay off.”
Bruins mourn “Chef Keith”
The Bruins’ household was crushed to be taught the information of the sudden demise of their chef Keith Garman, who suffered a cardiac arrest whereas taking part in hockey at Warrior Ice Arena on Tuesday.
“Yesterday was a horrible, horrible day for all of us,” stated captain Patrice Bergeron. “Chef Keith was a big part of our team and family and organization. Everyone who is with the organization had to go through his kitchen every day for breakfast, lunch or even dinner sometimes. I’m at a loss for words, to be honest with you. Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family, we send them love and comfort in this difficult time. But he’s not going to be forgotten, obviously. We’re all shook and shocked and saddened by it. His work ethic, really, is the first thing that comes to mind when I talk about Chef Keith. He was there at the crack of dawn to cook us the best meals, and always had a smile on his face.”…
Montgomery wouldn’t declare his beginning goaltender, although Linus Ullmark was the primary goalie off the ice on the morning skate at Capital One Arena, often the tell-tale signal that he’d be the starter. Whatever the case, neither he nor Jeremy Swayman may have an opportunity to get rusty.
“We’ve got these first four games and we’re going to alternate them. I’ll let (goalie coach Bob Essensa) handle that,” stated Montgomery.
Source: www.bostonherald.com