BOSTON - Taylor Hall "is not cleared to play yet" and David Krejci will be out of the lineup on Thursday night when the Bruins host the rival Toronto Maple Leafs at TD Garden, per coach Jim Montgomery. Jeremy Swayman will make the start between the pipes. Here's everything else you need to know ahead of the 7 p.m. ET puck drop on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub:
Video: Montgomery updates the media from WIA
A Chance at History
The Bruins enter Thursday's game against the Leafs two wins shy of tying the NHL's all-time record for wins in a single season (62). And with just five games remaining before the postseason, Boston is embracing the chance to make history, while using the chase as an opportunity to prepare mentally for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"We've talked openly about it, about now that it's such a short term, only five games, that chasing history helps us mentally prepare for the playoffs," said Montgomery. "We think winning begets winning. If we were four wins less, we wouldn't have the opportunity and it's not as easy to get up for the games. The regular season we've had so far has put us in a situation that's gonna help us for the playoffs. That's what we're looking at."
With the Presidents' Trophy already wrapped up, there isn't anything on the line for the Bruins to play for when it comes to seeding, a situation that could normally lead to complacency. Boston, however, has something significant to remain focused on with the wins record clearly in sight.
"It's those little lulls where you already solidified a spot - it's how do you keep that focus?" said Charlie Coyle. "You almost provide challenges for yourself. And that's one where we can keep ourselves motivated and give us something to strive for…it's not the end of the world if we get there or not; you grow up and you want to win a Cup, right? So that's the main thing.
"But these little things along the way are only good things that you can add to your resume. And I think as a team, it shows a lot and what we're capable of and what we've done and accomplished this year.
"So of course, it's definitely something we can strive for. And that's the thoughts that are going to keep us focused and ready to go, especially for the game tonight."
The Bruins also know the next two games are against teams - the Maple Leafs and Devils - that they could see later in the postseason should they advance.
"It's a good test," said Coyle. "Facing the teams that you're going to see, or you could potentially see, in the next couple of weeks makes it a little easier to get up for the game. And we want to show them our best and what we're capable of. So, they're thinking about that next time we see them, if we do."
Video: Coyle talks before the Bruins take on the Leafs
Back to Their Roots
With the Frozen Four set to begin on Thursday in Tampa, the Bruins' dressing room was buzzing as some of the players repped their alma maters. Connor Clifton was donning a Quinnipiac ball cap while Charlie Coyle, A.J. Greer, Charlie McAvoy, and Matt Grzelcyk all sent their support to Boston University.
The Terriers battle top-ranked Minnesota, while Quinnipiac takes on Michigan for a spot in Saturday's national title game.
"Cliff's already sky-high chest out. He's walking around like they already won the whole thing. Typical Cliff," Coyle joked.
Across the room, Clifton spoke glowingly about his trip to the Frozen Four in 2016 - also in Tampa - when Quinnipiac fell to North Dakota.
"It's the time of your life…and it was an amazing weekend," said Clifton, who had Greer seated beside him offering up his love for BU. "Something I'll never forget. Obviously, we lost in the final. But some of my best friends I met at Quinnipiac. And you go through so much together through the hockey year…only one team can win their last game, so I'm wishing them luck tonight."
McAvoy said he reached out to BU head coach and former Bruins assistant Jay Pandolfo and Terriers assistant and former B's skating and skills coach Kim Brandvold to congratulate them on winning the Hockey East tournament a few weeks back.
"I am so thrilled for them…wishing them the best of luck tonight," said McAvoy. "Obviously a proud alumni. But I guess I'll be over at the Garden at five, so will be trying to follow it if I can, if I can get on TV. But sort of bad timing. But I'm sending them the best of luck and go Terriers."
Video: Clifton talks with the media before BOS vs. TOR
Boston's quartet of Terriers also had high praise for Pandolfo and the job he has done to get BU to the Frozen Four in his first season as head coach.
"You know from his time here, obviously, as a hockey player as a person and then as a coach, he's been at the highest levels of everything," said McAvoy. "I really kind of thought this sky was the limit. And then in one year, though, it's pretty crazy to turn everything around so fast. I think his background for skills and his knowledge of the game, I knew that they were going to do great over there.
"But to see him do it all in one year, I think it's a credit to him, but also the players that they have and that improvement that you can make in college in a short amount of time."
And should Boston University advance to take on Quinnipiac on Saturday, you can be sure that something will be on the line between Clifton and his Terrier teammates.
"I don't know. Those guys are a lot richer than me," Clifton quipped. "I'm probably going to want to bet a couple of dollars and then Chuck might go a little more than that…obviously, it would be pretty cool."
Video: McAvoy talks with the media before BOS vs. TOR
Thursday's Projected Lineup
FORWARDS
Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - Jake DeBrusk
Tyler Bertuzzi - Pavel Zacha - David Pastrnak
A.J. Greer - Charlie Coyle - Trent Frederic
Jakub Lauko - Tomas Nosek - Garnet Hathaway
DEFENSEMEN
Dmitry Orlov - Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm - Brandon Carlo
Matt Grzelcyk - Connor Clifton
GOALIES
Jeremy Swayman
Linus Ullmark
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2023-04-06 17:25:43Z
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