McQuaid Won't Be Changing His Hard-Nosed Style

BOSTON- Adam McQuaid has never been shy to put his body on the line. Time and again throughout his nine-year career, the rugged blue liner has sacrificed himself for the betterment of the Bruins - at times costing himself valuable playing time.
As has been the case for the last two months. McQuaid has been sidelined since Oct. 19 against the Vancouver Canucks when he acted as a human shield and blocked two shots with his leg, leading to a broken right fibula.

It was another disheartening injury for the 31-year-old, especially just two weeks into a new season. It will not, however, lead to a change in his playing style.
"I don't know if I can to be honest with you," said McQuaid. "I can choose between getting hurt every once in a while and missing some time, or playing a different style and not playing at all. I don't foresee anything changing that way, but when you get out there you just play.
"You can't be thinking about potential for injury or other things on your mind, just focus on playing."
McQuaid was back on the ice on Monday for his first full practice with the team since the injury. It was a major step forward in the defenseman's impending return.
"Not quite there yet, but today was a good step," McQuaid said following the session at Warrior Ice Arena. "Nice to be back out there with the guys and simulate game-like situations. Hopefully we continue to progress…without sugarcoating it, it was tough. But can't change the situation and you try to persevere through and be better for it and hopefully that will be the case again with this.
"Felt like I had a really good summer and I felt good coming into the season. It was disappointing that way, but I'm working to get back to that point now."

When the 6-foot-4, 212-pounder is ready for game action - pending no further injuries, of course - Boston will have eight healthy bodies on the back end, meaning a decision will have to be made on who sits.
"He's still got a ways to go. There's a lot that can happen…I don't even want to speculate on when he would come back. He's just starting to practice and [get] contact with the guys," said Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. "With any extra guys it's a good problem to have. We'll fit the pieces together when he's truly ready to play."
Nevertheless, Cassidy, who has coached McQuaid since his days in Providence, is pleased to have the blueliner's presence back in the dressing room.
"Nice to have him around, great guy, his teammates all love him. When you're injured you just can't help but feel like an outsider. It's good to have him back in the room with the guys.
"I love the guy. The game needs players like him - if you want to be hard to play against you need guys like him in the lineup."

Practice Notes

Ryan Spooner and Noel Acciari also practiced with the team on Monday morning. Spooner (lower-body) and Acciari (upper-body) are both day-to-day, with Cassidy saying he expects more information on their statuses on Tuesday.
Acciari was a surprise scratch just before warmups on Saturday night against the Islanders.
"He had a minor injury that he's been playing through a little bit," said Cassidy. "It kind of swelled up on him…we made a decision to give him the extra three or four days. Noel will play through anything, so just thought it was best to miss one game and go from there. Feeling much better today."
- Peter Cehlarik skated on his own before practice for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury on Nov. 24 against Pittsburgh. - Matt Beleskey left the session early after taking a puck to the face.