Notebook: Bergeron Skates, Bruins Back in Boston, Injury Updates

2018 Boston Bruins Training Camp is Presented by AT&T
BOSTON - The 2018 preseason has been unusual to say the least. A few things on Friday morning signaled a return to normalcy at Warrior Ice Arena. While Bruins players who had taken part in the 2018 NHL China Games received a mandatory day off, the entire coaching staff was present at practice.
Another sign that things are nearly back to normal? Patrice Bergeron was back on the ice.
The center skated in his first practice since undergoing groin surgery this summer. He hit the ice with Bruins skating coach Kim Brandvold before the team's scheduled practice on Friday.

"Feels great to be back on the ice and slowly ramping it up," said Bergeron. "…Every day improving and feeling better. Still a little stiff, but that said, it's going according to plan right now, and we'll try not to jump any steps, I guess. Time's on our side. That's not always the case during the season, so we're trying to use that to our advantage."

The 33-year-old experienced a setback in his recovery two weeks ago when he began experiencing back spasms. He believes they did not alter the rehabilitation process much, as he was able to continue the physical therapy treatments on his groin. However, it will take more time for him to get his game legs back.
"I was ramping it up pretty good before that setback," said Bergeron. "I don't think it's going to take that long to get that conditioning back. Obviously, the on-ice stuff, yeah. I was starting to increase that, so, yeah, that puts me behind a little bit. Like we said, we do have some time in front of us that we're going to use wisely and hopefully be ready for October 3rd."
It is still up in the air if Bergeron will dress for a preseason game, as it depends on how his recovery progresses over the next week.

Moving Forward from China

None of the players who participated in the 2018 O.R.G. China Games were at Warrior on Friday due to a league-mandated two days off following the trip and 16-hour flight. However, the full Bruins coaching staff was on the ice for practice with the domestic group. Head coach Bruce Cassidy said the experience was terrific, but is excited to get going as a whole group.
"I think getting our whole group together will get us reenergized," said Cassidy. "…We have a couple of games to sort through here, some mixed practices, but I think they'll be motivated to be together. Sometimes it drags on at the end but because they haven't been together as a group it might give us a little juice."

The next preseason game is Saturday, September 22 in Detroit.
"The veteran guys won't play on Saturday," said Cassidy, "And there's quite a few that probably won't play Monday either. That's where I'm thinking Tuesday maybe we're looking at, okay, we have a week together. We have the two home games, look at our lineup a little more."
The full schedule and roster for the Detroit game will be announced on Saturday morning.

Depth in Youth

Cassidy addressed the young players' contributions overseas and was thoroughly impressed by their compete level as a group.
"I think [Ryan] Donato was good in game one," said Cassidy. "Game two, he made some plays, had some turnovers, some usual stuff that we have to work with young guys on, but I love his initiative. He wants to make things happen… [Urho] Vaakanainen played the one game. He was pretty efficient, pretty smooth player as well."
The three young centers battling for the third-line spot held their own in the two games against the Calgary Flames. Facing off against veteran NHL players, there is still room for growth.
"I thought JFK [Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson] had pockets of really good shifts," said Cassidy. "Other times he got tentative where we had to remind him it's a 60-minute affair... [Trent] Frederic was good on the kill with, actually, [David] Backes… He scored a goal, so offensively they all kind of chipped in. Jack [Studnicka] had a little penalty trouble. I'm not sure if he deserved all of them, but he's learning hands and sticks have to stay off the body, better angles. Again, he's 19. I liked a lot of what they did."
The upcoming preseason games provide an opportunity for the three prospects to build chemistry with potential linemates.
"Now we're looking at more of the guys that are here, and who they fit in with and less evaluation," said Cassidy. "It could go down to the wire for one or two spots of course, but that's kind of how we're trying to get to. Monday will be another big day for those three guys in Philly."

Injury Updates

Torey Krug and Noel Acciari have been following similar recovery timelines. Both players practiced with the team this week for the first time this preseason. Acciari is recovering from sports-hernia surgery this summer, and Krug is on the mend from fracturing his ankle in Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning in May.
"It feels good," said Krug, "Nice to get out there and be in some live situations, game-like situations, and obviously have to react physically in the corners… I probably feel a little bit better skating-wise than I thought I would, but in terms of playing in situations I haven't done too much of that, so I have to get up to speed with the read and react part of the game."
Both players hope to be in full stride by the start of the regular season.
Anders Bjork also continues to make progress after injuring his shoulder in February. The forward skated with the team this week but is still no-contact for the time being. He's optimistic that he will get the full green light by the end of next week.
"Feeling good," said Bjork. "…I'm excited to get things going next week I think. I didn't really know what to expect. I think that's what some guys were telling me too is injuries are different for everybody, so don't have expectations for yourself. It's good to learn, especially with the game we play. It's a rough one, so injuries do happen, and you just have to roll with it and work your hardest to get back and not put too much pressure or expectations on yourself."
Cassidy provided the following injury updates on Friday:
- Sean Kuraly is dealing with a lower-body injury from Tuesday's game against Washington. He has been given maintenance days the last two practices and did not skate. Cassidy expects him to be available for Monday's game against Philadelphia. - Ryan Fitzgerald is battling a lower-body injury from Sunday's game against Washington and his timeline is uncertain. - Jakub Lauko sustained an injury in practice on Thursday and did not skate Friday. His status remains uncertain but he will not play in Saturday's game against Detroit. - Charlie McAvoy did not play in Wednesday's game against Calgary due to illness. Cassidy said he felt lightheaded, but should be fine by the games next week. - Jake DeBrusk is recovering from the stomach ailments he experienced at the end of the China trip, with Cassidy saying he assumed it was a "24-hour job."