We ought to have a greater concept of simply what the Boston Bruins will seem like by late Saturday afternoon – a minimum of the model that might be rolled out for the primary couple of months.
Coach Jim Montgomery will play the highest two traces when the B’s host the Philadelphia Flyers in a 1 p.m. matinee on the Garden of their third of six preseason video games. That not solely means David Krejci will play his first Causeways Street sport since departing for his native Czechia final season, in addition to his new, probably explosive line with Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak, however his younger countryman Pavel Zacha will make each his Bruin and Garden debut.
“You wait for the whole summer to get it going and get that game feeling in, so I’m super excited to play, especially at home,” stated Zacha on Friday.
Obtained from New Jersey for veteran Erik Haula within the offseason, the 2015 sixth total decide may very well be a linchpin to the B’s hopes this season. Many observers consider the 25-year-old Zacha hasn’t reached his ceiling but. His highest aim complete was 17 in 50 video games two years in the past and his highest level complete was 36 in 70 video games final yr. Montgomery has favored what he’s seen from the 6-foot-4, 200-pound Zacha.
“They thing I’ve liked about his game is that he’s gotten better every day in practice, which is a sign of a good NHL player. When camp starts, it’s a little hectic, but then the cream rises to the top. And he’s rising,” stated Montgomery. “The thing that I didn’t know was that he could make as many plays as he’s been making. His visions, his hockey sense with the puck is above what I’ve seen before. I didn’t really see him that much before to really have a great handle on that, but he’s making a lot of plays out there.”
That potential ought to translate nicely to him enjoying heart place someplace down the highway. But proper now he’s obtained a distinct alternative – and it’s an excellent one. He’s presently filling in for Brad Marchand on Patrice Bergeron’s left aspect with Jake DeBrusk is skating on his off wing on that line.
“It’s been great,” stated Zacha, the B’s most noteworthy new acquisition. “Players like that, they always talk to you a lot on the ice, where they expect you to be. I’m just trying to do my best there, battle for pucks, create scoring chances and hopefully show that (Saturday). It’s nice to get a game in and get even more chemistry with the line in game situations.”
One of Zacha’s offseason focuses has been to change into extra of a shot-first participant and that, in concept, ought to meld nicely with what Bergeron brings to the desk.
“He complements my game,” stated Zacha. “He knows what I can do and he just tries to help me out in situations. It’s more system-wise, where to be. You know as soon as he gets the puck where to be and he’s a really skilled player. He can find the open areas and it’s my job to find him there. And it’s my job to help out through the neutral zone with my speed and stuff like that.”
Reilly may very well be good match
Mike Reilly is one among a plethora of left shot defensemen, a gaggle that can even develop when Matt Grzelcyk is anticipated to return from shoulder surgical procedure. Couple that together with his $3 million wage and the B’s present cap crunch and it’s comprehensible why many observers peg Reilly as eventual commerce bait.
On the opposite hand, Reilly would possibly stand to profit essentially the most from Montgomery’s extra liberal activation of defensemen within the offensive zone – and vice versa.
“His strengths should shine with this and I thought they did in the last game. I think he was very active. He was playing on his toes, which is what we want from our defensemen to be doing,” stated Montgomery.
He’s additionally extra wholesome than he’s been in a few years after present process ankle surgical procedure to restore a tendon and take away bone chips. Reilly, who obtained the ball rolling on the A.J. Greer’s additional time winner on Tuesday, is clearly enthused in regards to the tweaks.
“When I talked to (Montgomery) over the phone this summer and talked to him as soon as I got to Boston, I had a good conversation on what he expects,” stated Reilly. “I think I played against him in college when I was at Minnesota and he was (coaching) Denver, I had a couple of buddies who played for him in the USHL, so there was a mutual connection and they did pass along on how he wants to play, his system and what he encourages. Obviously the D are a big part of it. That’s great for me. It allows you a little bit more freedom. Doesn’t mean you’re reckless or letting up odd-man (rushes)…but there’s definitely the freedom to make plays. I think that’s something that will benefit me.”
Odds and ends
Greer continued skating with the third line with Charlie Coyle and Craig Smith whereas Trent Frederic was on a line with heart John Beecher and and proper wing Marc McLaughlin. He would appear to be going within the fallacious route.
“We want him to respond from last game to this game,” stated Montgomery. “If you look at everyone who played, their second game was significantly better and I expect him to do the same. I thought his third period was his best period and he’s got to grow from that and carry it on into (Saturday’s) game.”
Continuing on his evaluation of Frederic, Montgomery didn’t rule out Frederic and Greer enjoying on the identical line. Montgomery didn’t say how that will be configured, however Frederic has performed heart.
“We seem him as a very viable option for our third line, as being a heavy, hard-nosed player to play against,” stated Montgomery. “Him and A.J. may not be the exact same, but they’re both momentum guys that are going to hopefully get the fans out of their seats with the physicality, the kind of hockey that I think Bruins’ fans love. I think both are willing to do that and that’s why they could be exciting on the same line together.”….
Montgomery described Jakub Zboril as “one of the top five players in camp.” He was paired with veteran camp tryout Anton Stralman….
Linus Ullmark will get the beginning and the plan is for him to play the entire sport…
Connor Carick (higher physique) is day-to-day.
Source: www.bostonherald.com