Bruins Will Be Looking for a Bounce Back in Game 5

BOSTON - Bruce Cassidy and the Bruins are choosing to look at the big picture.
Yes, they are fresh off a disappointing Game 4 loss to the Islanders that knotted their second-round series at two games apiece. But, now it's a best-of-three with two of those games coming at TD Garden.
It is a position the Bruins are embracing as they look to right the ship after Saturday night's setback on Long Island.

"I think some players will definitely be better just because they're good players and had an off night," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said on Sunday morning. "I think that'll happen just because of who they are, less about the circumstances. We're back home, we're 2-2. We've got a two out of three series, we've got home-ice advantage. We can look at that in the big picture.
"The smaller picture is we need to play a better game than we did the other night. I think the guys recognize that. It's not a secret. It wasn't our best. Having said that, we've got to be mindful of it being 1-1 in the third period. We had a chance to win a hockey game not being at our best. That's a positive for us. Understanding that, to win, you typically need to be your best.
"So, let's get there, let's get to that level. We pride ourselves on being a team that gets better as the series goes on. I thought we did that with Washington very well. We were trending that way until the other night. Let's call it a hiccup, let's get back to building our game."

Switching it Up?

Cassidy acknowledged that the coaching staff will "look at" potential changes to the third line for Game 5. Boston's bench boss said the trio of Nick Ritchie, Charlie Coyle, and Jake DeBrusk "didn't generate anything, to be honest with you" in Game 4 and pointed out that they were on the ice for the Islanders winning goal in the third period.
"They've had better games," said Cassidy. "Obviously, a breakdown on the last goal. Our winger went down, should have had more patience. Allowed them to get to the middle of the ice and it kind of snowballed from there where guys were late because we didn't do our job first. That part of it hurt us."
Cassidy said that Trent Frederic - while noting that the young forward has not played since the regular-season finale - and Karson Kuhlman would be possibilities to enter the lineup.
"We'll see what we can do on the third line," said Cassidy. "Kuhlman's played a little bit, Freddy hasn't played in a long time. Those are the guys that have been with us the longest. You've got left wingers having to go to their right side, unless it's Kuhlman. We'll consider it and we'll go from there."
While the third line could change, Cassidy said he will not be making any tweaks to his fourth line of Sean Kuraly, Curtis Lazar, and Chris Wagner, calling their performance in Game 4 their strongest of the series.
"I thought [Saturday] night was our best game from our fourth line in terms of playing below the goal line, getting pucks deep, being physical," said Cassidy. "Lazar draws a penalty by being physical, a cross check to the head there. Good for him for trying to finish his checks. I thought Sean was trying to do more of that. Wags had a good chance in the first period on a wraparound later in the slot, it was just off-net.
"I thought they did a better job than they had been in terms of offense and how they can best do it, which is on the forecheck, turnovers, putting pressure on the D. That part I liked. And their penalty kill was good."

Taking a Breather

The Bruins - outside of the taxi squad - remained off the ice on Sunday. Without a full practice, Cassidy was unsure whether or not Kevan Miller or Brandon Carlo would be able to return from their respective injuries in Game 5.
"Miller is skating [on his own], so that's good news," said Cassidy. "Again, [Monday], we'll see how they are. Get through the skate today, which is happening right now, then I'll have a better idea then.
"Most of the guys are going to stay off today, so I don't anticipate any new injuries from the medical staff. I haven't heard. But those two guys, we'll be able to better answer that [Monday] morning."

What Else is New?

For the 10th consecutive season, Patrice Bergeron was named a finalist for the Selke Trophy on Sunday morning. Bergeron could become the first five-time winner of the award, presented annually to the NHL's top defensive forward.
Boston's captain led the league in face-off wins (714) and face-off win percentage (career-best 62.3%). It was also the 12th straight season that he eclipsed the 56 percent mark. He led the Bruins with a plus-27 rating.
His 10 straight seasons as a Selke finalist tie Wayne Gretzky (10 consecutive years of top-three Hart Trohy finishes) for the longest streak ever for a voted NHL Award.
"Well, that's good. People are continuing to pay attention, because he deserves it," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. "He certainly emulates what that award is all about. Did it again this year. There's a couple of good candidates as well that he's up against, so that's always a tough call for the people deciding, but I'm glad to see him get what he's due. Good luck to him.
"I'm obviously biased, but I feel he should be the winner. I'm sure the coaches of their players probably feel the same way. Good for Patrice. And like I said, I'm proud of him again for bringing it every year.
"It's another year under his belt being able to keep playing that way on both sides of the puck. It's a testament to not only his physical ability, but also his mental toughness to be able to do it every night."

Krejci Fined

The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced on Sunday morning that David Krejci was fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for slashing the Islanders Mathew Barzal in Game 4.