Coyle Set to Make Preseason Debut in Exhibition Finale

BOSTON -Charlie Coyle is all in on a little friendly competition.
While it has been difficult for him to watch from afar this preseason, the centerman has been impressed by what he's seen from Jack Studnicka, who has filled in admirably for Coyle as the Bruins' second-line pivot between Taylor Hall and Craig Smith.

Studnicka, with two goal and an assist, has acquitted himself quite well throughout the exhibition slate, as the 15 pounds he packed on to his 6-foot-1 frame during the offseason appear to have provided him with the strength and confidence needed to hang at the NHL level.
That 22-year-old's success has not, however, deterred Coyle, who believes the more capable players a team has at its disposal can only be beneficial in the long run.
"That's what you need," Coyle said following Tuesday's practice at Warrior Ice Arena. "I think that's what good teams have…every day, I think, you should feel a little pressure, whether it's younger guys or older guys trying to make a push. That's what makes us guys ahead, I guess, play better because if you don't, they're coming up. That's the mindset you have to have; you have to bring it every day or someone else is gonna take your spot."
"To have extra guys that can come in and play, that's only gonna make everyone better, make our team better. You love to see a guy like that play well and push us, push me. I hope I push him. That's what makes a good team and good teammates. That's exactly what we need."
Coyle will get his first chance to push back on Wednesday night when he makes his preseason debut in the B's exhibition finale against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden. The 29-year-old, who underwent knee surgery over the summer, is feeling healthy and is eager to have Hall and Smith flanking him in game action.
"I feel great," said Coyle. "You always can think back to, I wish I was healthy this summer so I could get more reps in and work on things more. But the main thing is being 100 percent ready for Game 1. I know that's where I am and that's where I'm gonna be when that time comes. That's most important in my mind and that way I can feel confident in everything I do, and I can just go play hockey."

Coyle has been penciled in as Boston's second-line center since the summer when Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said the Weymouth native was "the obvious choice" to succeed David Krejci. And despite only having limited practice reps between the duo throughout camp, Coyle believes there is time left yet to build chemistry ahead of the regular season.
"It's kind of been a short sample size, my situation not being able to be out there every day with those same guys," said Coyle. "You make the best of what's in front of you, what you have, and make the most of it. I played with Smitty for a little bit last year. We had some good things going. Taylor maybe just a shift here and there. But it does help to be out there getting the reps with them."
Coyle is also banking on using the 10-day break between Wednesday's exhibition tilt and Opening Night on Oct. 16 against the Dallas Stars to shore up any loose ends amongst the trio.
"That's all I can do is play in that one [exhibition] and make sure that I feel good and we have that practice time," said Coyle. "You want to be in games and play against guys that are trying to take your head off. It's a little different in practice…I'm looking forward to it, it's only gonna help."

Ready to Lead

Charlie McAvoy is one of several players who have rotated through wearing an 'A' on their sweaters this preseason. Whether that will be permanent once the regular season begins is still to be determined - Boston has an 'A' available following the departure of Krejci - but the blue liner was nevertheless honored to be deemed an alternate captain for Saturday night's exhibition against the Rangers.
"It was really special," said McAvoy, who is entering his fifth full season with the Bruins. "I know it's just preseason but to be in this group of guys…there's been so many amazing leaders that have come through here. I don't know if it's something that's permanent or not, not something I'm overly worried about. But to wear it was really special."
Regardless of whether McAvoy is officially named an alternate captain, he said he is making every effort to lead both on and off the ice.
"I try to be a leader in whatever way I can, whether it's being vocal at times or just trying to lead by example," said McAvoy. "Whether you have a letter on your chest or not, I don't think that really means anything with your standing and responsibility with the team in terms of trying to push the other guys or taking charge when you need to and feel like you should."

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