Hall Returns from Protocol as B's Ramp Back Up

BOSTON - Taylor Hall became the latest player to exit COVID-19 protocol and rejoin the Bruins for practice on Monday morning at Warrior Ice Arena. The winger's return means the first nine players to land in protocol have cleared, leaving just Brandon Carlo (Dec. 21) and Charlie Coyle (Dec. 26) on the list. Oskar Steen, who entered protocol on Dec. 16, was assigned to Providence on Monday.

Despite the Black & Gold nearing full health once again, they will remain idle for at least another five days after the NHL announced on Sunday night that Wednesday's matchup between the Bruins and Senators in Ottawa has been postponed. Boston's next scheduled game is Saturday's New Year's Day matinee against the Buffalo Sabres at TD Garden.
As such, the Bruins have plenty of time to gear up with coach Bruce Cassidy saying on Monday that he's viewing this full week of practice as a "mini training camp." Cassidy said that the team may take a day or two off from skating later in the week, but for the time being the B's need the practice after some days 10 away from the rink.
"We've been off, so. We need to practice. We had a good workday today…let's see how we go as the week goes on," said Cassidy. "We've obviously got some things to cover. We get an opportunity to run almost like a mini training camp, and most of our guys are out here, right? So, we're fortunate in that regard.
"Knock on wood we don't lose anybody else. It's only Charlie Coyle and then Brandon for half the week. We should get to see him later in the week. So in that regard, we can we can get some good work done with the full group."
Cassidy said that he will consult with the players as the week goes on to determine just how much the team needs to practice, while adding that he was impressed with the jump and energy the club has displayed in returning from such a lengthy layoff.
"It'll be opinion-based from the players' feedback, whether we take a day off in the middle, but definitely on [the ice Tuesday] and Friday," said Cassidy. "[Sunday] was excellent…halfway through practice, [assistant coach] Chris Kelly said, 'These guys are flying.'"

Boston's bench boss acknowledged, however, the need - even on the heels of so much time off - to be mindful of the team's workload this week, particularly with so many players having just recovered from illness.
"That's the feedback from the players…the guys that have had COVID, it affects everybody differently, fatigue wise," said Cassidy. "So, do they need to rest a little bit or do they need to catch up? So, I think that'll be a decision that will weigh depending on the players' opinions."
Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron said that the team is focused on using this stretch to their advantage as best they can, knowing that - should the disruptions to the schedule end - the next few months will be a grind with 56 games still to play.
"I think we have to make the best of it," said Bergeron. "Resting and making sure we recharge the batteries and be ready for the rest of the year…it's going to be a lot of games and not many days, as we all know. Right now, being able to use that to our advantage if we can.
"Obviously some guys got hit with COVID and some felt a little bit more than others. But that being said, I think we were able to rest and spend some time at home and find ways to recharge the batteries mentally and also physically and be ready for the next stretch, which will be a pretty big one."

Bergeron Talks COVID, Olympics

Bergeron, who made his return from a bout with COVID-19 on Sunday, said following Monday's practice that he only suffered mild symptoms that lasted for a couple of days after entering protocol on Dec. 15.
"It was fine…a little tired but didn't take too much time and I was back on my feet," said Bergeron. "I was able to work out after maybe four days, started working out again slowly and then ramping it up by the end.
"I didn't feel too bad [Sunday] actually. A little rusty from not having been on the ice for almost 10 days, 11 days. It was just trying to get the rhythm back. Otherwise, the lungs and conditioning felt somewhat pretty good."
Bergeron was also speaking for the first time since the NHL's announcement that the league's players would not be taking part in the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. The two-time gold medalist for Team Canada said that despite some concerns surrounding COVID-19 related protocols in China, he had made the decision to go to the Games if selected to represent his country for a third time.
"I would have gone. It would have been my last chance to experience it," said Bergeron. "I was there twice [in Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014]. I was able to live it. I feel for the guys that haven't had a chance and this might have been their last chance to go. I really do.
"I think it's disappointing as an athlete and as a competitor. I think you want to be part of those types of events. I was fortunate enough in my career to do that twice and to live it and to experience it and then have some amazing memories out of it. So I guess that's the silver lining, if you will, that whole thing.
"I was definitely thinking about it. I had some question marks about going with what was going on in the world and the outbreaks and all that and leaving my family behind. But I had a discussion with my wife…it was my last chance and I wanted to be a part of it."
Bergeron also represented Canada at the World Junior Championship in 2005, when he led the tournament in scoring with 13 points (five goals, eight assists) in six games en route to the gold medal. The 2022 tournament kicked off on Sunday in Edmonton.
"I try to [watch] as much as I can whenever there's chaos at home with the three kids running around," said Bergeron. "Definitely a lot of great memories, reminds me of that time - even growing up for me. Back home, the World Juniors meant the Christmas holiday, being home with my family, my brother, watching it on TV, and having a dream.
"It was a special moment for me to be a part of it and experience it from the inside. It's always special and I always try to keep an eye on it every Christmas."

Wait, There's More

• Cassidy said that one of the team's focus points during this extended week of practice will be on getting to the dirty areas as the B's aim to improve their overall offensive approach. "Easier said than done, though, I guess," said Cassidy, who has implemented more battle drills into the week's practice plans. "It's a mentality. It's a bit of habits. We're trying to create the habits…this is not new, but clearly we need to get that message through better. And the players need to buy into it better. And sometimes you got to go outside your comfort zone to do that, right. so that's where we got to meet halfway."
• The NHL announced on Sunday evening the re-introduction of taxi squads through the All-Star Break as teams deal with depleted rosters due to the uptick in COVID cases. A maximum of six players will be allowed on the squad. "We will have one. [Bruins GM Don Sweeney] mentioned to me [on Sunday]…we have a few days to sort through it. I think you always want guys playing, so I don't know if it's exactly like it was before where you'd have to call guys up and down if they went to Providence, or they're going to allow them just to play [down there] and stay on your squad at the same time."
• Tuukka Rask, who remains an unrestricted free agent as he rehabs from offseason hip surgery, was on the ice with the Bruins for the second straight day. "He's three weeks out, from what I understand, and then he has to be cleared by his medical group," Cassidy said when asked about the netminder's potential return to the team. "Somewhere along the line - that's a question for Donny - he's got to sign a contract. There's a couple of hurdles still out there. But assuming, he gets through those, it's probably about three weeks."

Monday's Practice Lineup

FORWARDS
Brad Marchand - Patrice Bergeron - David Pastrnak
Taylor Hall - Erik Haula - Craig Smith
Jake DeBrusk - Trent Frederic - Nick Foligno
Anton Blidh - Tomas Nosek - Curtis Lazar/Karson Kuhlman
DEFENSEMEN
Matt Grzelcyk - Charlie McAvoy
Derek Forbort - John Moore
Mike Reilly - Connor Clifton
GOALIES
Linus Ullmark
Jeremy Swayman