BOSTON – The Bruins will get some reinforcement on the back end for Thursday’s matchup against the Anaheim Ducks Matt Grzelcyk returns to the lineup to make his season debut. The blue liner sat out the first four games of the season as he made his way back from offseason shoulder surgery.
“It was good to get out there today, a little bit longer than a pregame skate. It was nice to bump around a little bit with the guys. I feel ready to go,” said Grzelcyk. “I haven’t played a game in a long time, so I’m gonna take it a period at a time and go from there.”
Video: Grzelcyk to make season debut vs. Ducks
Grzelcyk will, no doubt, help Boston’s defense corps shore up their game after the Black & Gold allowed seven goals in Tuesday night’s loss to the Ottawa Senators. Coach Jim Montgomery said that the defensive deficiencies have been there all season, but were more exposed in the 7-5 setback to the Sens.
“It doesn’t get thrown away,” Montgomery said when asked if he burned the tape from the loss. “We gave up seven even strength goals. It’s unacceptable. And the way we’ve been defending – I think our goalies have been really good or else… I don’t know if we win the first three games.
“We’re up 3-0, 3-2 in Washington, 3-1 against Arizona 3-3, and we let Florida climb back into the game twice. We need to take more pride in defending.”
Here’s everything else you need to know ahead of the 7 pm puck drop on NESN and 98.5 The Sports Hub:
Studnicka to Debut, Too
Boston will also have a season debut up front, as well Jack Studnicka slides into the lineup as the third-line center Charlie Coyle Bumping out to play the right wing. Trent Frederic will remain as the third-line left wing, while AJ Greer will slide down to play on the right side on the fourth line.
“Super excited, been looking forward to it,” said Studnicka. “Been getting a little antsy. Just trying to play my game, be on my toes, be on pucks, be good defensively and maybe contribute being on a line with some offensive guys…it’s not like I played a game and played my way out of the lineup. I just haven’t really gotten the opportunity yet so staying positive and really excited for tonight.”
Montgomery added that he believes Studnicka can also play the wing, but given that it’s the 23-year-old’s first game of the season, he wants to put him in the best position to succeed.
“I believe he can play wing because he is a smart hockey player, but it’s his first game,” said Montgomery. “I want to put him in situations to succeed and he’s used to playing center. So, we’re going to put him there. I want him to be able to hang on to pucks in the offensive zone, create offense for us. I’m hoping to see him compete hard on pucks, pressure pucks when we don’t have it and just be reliable on faceoffs.”
Boston’s bench boss labeled Coyle as a “safety net” as someone who can play heavy minutes, while being versatile enough to move up and down the lineup and also shift between center and wing.
“There’s guys that are in your lineup that are glue guys,” said Montgomery. “They move up and down the lineup and he’s one of them. I believe that as a coach he’s like a safety net and he allows you to either spark other players or help continue to develop others.
“I think he’s done a great job with Trent Frederic and Greer. And we want to get other people in the lineup. So, there’s an opportunity when he’s going to work with Frederic and Studs.”
Video: Studnicka to make season debut vs. Ducks
Opposing View
The Ducks come to town having dropped three of their first four games (1-3-0), including three in a row to start off their five-game Eastern Conference road trip. Troy Terry paces the Ducks with three goals and six points in four games, while Trevor Zegras (2-1-3), Ryan Strom (1-2-3), and Mason McTavish (0-3-3) all boast three points. . Old friend Frank Vatrano has two goals in four games, ranking second on the Ducks.
Bruins blue liner Hampus Lindholm spent his first nine seasons with Anaheim before being traded to Boston in exchange for Urho Vaakanainen, John Moore, a 2022 first-round pick, and second-rounders in 2023 and 2024.
“It’s gonna be a special game for me, of course,” said Lindholm. “I’m gonna come out there and see a lot of familiar faces. I had a lot of good years there. I’m super excited about being with the B’s so I’m gonna do everything to get those two points here tonight. “
Video: Lindholm talks before Bruins vs. Ducks
Wait, There’s More
- Patrice Bergeron did not participate in the morning skate, although Montgomery said it was a maintenance day for the B’s top centerman. When it comes to limiting morning skates throughout the season, Montgomery added, “We played him too many minutes in back to back games for my liking. [19:57 vs. Florida and 16:05 vs. Ottawa]. I consulted with our sports science people, the strength and conditioning coach, not only individuals, but I’m talking more team oriented. And like today with our morning skate, we purposely went 22 minutes after a day off. We want them to fire up their electrons to get ready for tonight. And that’s what we thought was the best plan.”
- Brad Marchand was a full participant in the morning skate, but Montgomery does not believe the winger’s timeline of a late-November return has changed as of yet. “Not as much as I would like. I’ll tell you that,” Montgomery said of the timeline changing. “He looks pretty good out there. Nothing has changed as of yet. I’m going to keep working on it for you and for the team.”
- Charlie McAvoy skated with the team in a maroon non-contact jersey.
- After making his Bruins debut on Tuesday night, Anton Stralman He remains in Ottawa as he continues to deal with visa issues and will not play against the Ducks. “Tying to expedite that visa,” said Montgomery. “So, we’re hoping he flies back this afternoon. But the plan is not to play him tonight.”
- Jakub Lauko and Craig Smith will be the healthy scratches up front.
Video: Montgomery talks ahead of Bruins vs. Ducks
Thursday’s Projected Lineup
FORWARDS
Pavel Zacha – Patrice Bergeron – Jake DeBrusk
Taylor Hall – David Krejci – David Pastrnak
Trent Frederic – Jack Studnicka – Charlie Coyle
Nick Foligno – Tomas Nosek – AJ Greer
DEFENSEMEN
Hampus Lindholm – Mike Reilly
Matt Grzelcyk – Jakub Zboril
Derek Forbort – Connor Clifton
GOALIES
Linus Ullmark
Jeremy Swayman
Video: Bruins to host Anaheim Ducks on Thursday
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