David Krejci participated in drills for the first time today
Good morning again from the TD Garden. It is still odd to say the TD Garden, but I’ll learn to adjust.
Anyway just a few notes from the first session.
David Krejci participated in drills for the first time today. While he didn’t participate in any contract drills, he could be out there opening night, although that remains to be seen.
Marco Sturm, who missed the majority of the season because of injury, had a couple nice plays, including a deflection off a rebound for a goal during the odd-man rush drills.
Jamie Arniel, who spent last season with the Sarnia Sting in the OHL, and played with the Providence Bruins in the AHL, looked very solid. While he’ll be starting off in Providence, I would not be surprised if he got caled up for a few games. Arniel had 32 goals and 36 assists last year in 63 games played with Sarnia.
The position to backup Tim Thomas is up for grabs. Hot prospect Tuukka Rask and veteran Dany Sabourin are the two combatants for the position.
And finally Shawn Thornton was up to his normal self, bonding with players such as Steve Begin and Vladimir Sobotka but still joking around.
Session Two set to start any minute. Noteable players during this session include Zdeno Chara, Derek Morris, Milan Lucic, Patrice Bergeron, Tim Thomas, Blake Wheeler and 2007 first round pick Zach Hamill just to name a few.
Some notable quotes after the first session.
David Krejci
About his skating
I feel good when I skate straight or when I crossover on the left side. When I crossover on the right side, it feels like it hasn’t healed yet.
About the possibility of playing opening night October 1
I don’t know. I’ll say there is a little chance, not a big one but about 10%. I can’t say that there’s 0% because I feel pretty good on the ice, but I don’t know how its going to feel one week from now.
Shawn Thornton
About changing roles from season to season with Claude Julein
I don’t think it’s a huge change. He’s fairly routine and I’ve been around here with him for a couple years now so you pretty much know what he expects from you and you just try to bring it.
About bonding with and sitting next to new teammate Steve Begin
I requested that. I didn’t want him sitting next to a French guy so I had to hear that gibberish all day, so yeah I requested it, and I make him speak English.
About the addition of Begin
He works his ass every shift. He’s the one who’s a pain to play against and those are guys you want to play with you instead of playing against them.
Session Two Quotes:
To say forward Blake Wheeler is used to high expectations is an understatement. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
A former Minnesota Gopher, Wheeler knew what that expectations grew more and more every year in college. With high expectations this year, the Robinsdale, Minnesota native is taking it one step at a time.
It’s good to have high expectations. You never want to go into a season just hoping to make the playoffs. You want to be on a team where your shooting for being the best. That’s what we have in the locker room, that’s how we ended last year with a sour taste in our mouth and everyone is ready to get back at it.
That’s why you have to take the positive about the way things ended last year. High expectations are good, you want everyone excited about our team, and I think everyone is
With the first preseason game tomorrow, expect a mix of veterans and young players in the lineup in their against the New York Rangers.
From Bruins head coach Claude Julien
We’re just looking at evaluating the younger players and looking at where our veterans are at right now, like most first games.
