Las Vegas – The Bruins will be aiming for their first win of the road trip on Thursday night when they visit the defending Stanley Cup champion Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Boston has lost its first two games of the tour, both in overtime, but the Black & Gold believe they played well in their 4-3 losses to Colorado and Arizona.
Brad Marchand, the captain of the Boston Bruins, remarked, “I thought we had some things we did well and some things we could have improved upon.” “I think we competed hard in both games, but there are definitely some things that we need to keep fixing.”
Injuries Mounting
Following Brandon Carlo’s injury in Colorado, Matt Poitras and Linus Ullmark were out from Tuesday’s Arizona game. Although none of the three players are available in Vegas, Coach Jim Montgomery said they will all stay with the club for the road trip and are just considered day-to-day.
Adversity strengthens our bond as a community, according to Marchand. When you’re healthy later on, it always helps, especially during the playoffs. It provides various guys with varying chances, increased ice time, and exposure to various scenarios. Particularly this year with so many young men, you get to see what your depth is like. It’s a fantastic learning experience for those guys.
With Poitras sidelined, the B’s forward group will have a different look as Jesper Boqvist, who notched his first goal as a Bruin in Arizona, will ride on the left side with Pavel Zacha – who moves back to the middle – and David Pastrnak.
Morgan Geekie will center Danton Heinen and Trent Frederic, while James van Riemsdyk will shift down to the fourth line with Johnny Beecher and Jakub Lauko, who subs back in for Oskar Steen.
“You get to know other players that get elevated roles,” said Montgomery. “You get to know if they do relish it and own the moment. That’s what you’re looking for.”
Bussi Recalled
With Ullmark out, Jeremy Swayman is expected to carry the load between the pipes for the time being.
“When we talk about people getting opportunity, he’s a young man you know just can’t wait for the opportunity,” said Montgomery. “He just wants more and more. He’s gonna get the ability to play consecutive games here. I have a lot of confidence because of his attitude and confidence.”
Brandon Bussi, meanwhile, was recalled from Providence on Thursday and will serve as Swayman’s backup. The 25-year-old has posted a 10-6-3 record with a 2.94 goals against average and .901 save percentage through 20 games with Providence this season.
“A little bit of adversity, but overall, it’s been a beneficial, good year for me,” said Bussi. “It’s been a good opportunity to learn from that and push through and be a better goalie in the long run…I’m a big process guy, you’ve got to look at the things you’re doing well, regardless of if you had a shutout or if you had five games against.”
Bussi, who has yet to appear in an NHL game, is eager to help the Bruins in whatever way possible.
“Very excited to be here,” said Bussi. “Every time you have an opportunity to be in the NHL, it’s super exciting. I’m grateful for the opportunity. They don’t come for everybody.”
