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Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes

GAME PREVIEW: Boston Bruins vs Carolina Hurricanes

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The Boston Bruins are looking to bounce back as they face the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at the PNC Arena. Boston is coming off a shut-out loss to Montreal. Coach Bruce Cassidy noted that Krug “practiced in full” and will be ready for tonight. With the news that defenseman Torey Krug will be back in the lineup, Boston will also be adding another player to the injury list.

INJURY UPDATE

Boston Bruins torey Krug

(Photo Credits: ESPN.com)

Krug has been out for a month after an ankle injury he sustained in a preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers. With Krug in, expect Steven Kampfer to possibly be out of the lineup.

Matt Grzelcyk will be out to night as he sustained a lower-body injury. He did not skate Monday morning. Both Jeremy Lauzon and Colby Cave were recalled from Providence on an emergency basis. Cave currently leads Providence with 10 points: five goals with five assists. Charlie McAvoy skated on Friday but did not skate Monday. David Backes continues to practice and skated in full-contact, however he won’t be playing tonight. He is expecting, hopefully, to play against Nashville this coming Saturday.

THE ‘CANES

Boston bruins vs hurricanes

(Photo Credits: Jim Davis/The Boston Globe)

Carolina are second in the Metropolitan Division with a 6-4-1 record. They currently sit behind the Pittsburgh Penguins. The team had a recent game loss against the New York Islanders 2-1 after a two-game winning streak at home.  They will be looking to end their three-game home-stand on a high-note. Center Sebastian Aho has 11 assists in 10 games with four goals. He also leads the team in points (16).  The ‘Canes currently lead the NHL in shots per game. The last time the Bruins were at the PNC they were behind Carolina 4-1, however made a thrilling comeback and beat the Hurricanes 6-4. David Pastrnak scored three goals in his first ever career hat-trick.

sebastian aho

(Photo Credits: GREGG FORWERCK/NHL VIA GETTY IMAGES

BOSTON

The Bruins are currently in fourth place in the Atlantic Division with a 6-3-2 record. The first line is still the most productive line as both Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak lead the team in points. Brad Marchand leads the team in assist (11) while Pastrnak leads with 10 goals. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak will start in net.  The Slovak-native is coming off a recent shut-out win against the Philadelphia Flyers.

GAME TIME START : 7:00pm.

WHERE TO WATCH:  NESN

Stempniak

Lee Stempniak Impressing In Camp

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When the Bruins invited Lee Stempniak to camp it was a surprise a move. With opening night only four days away Stempniak still remains on the Bruins roster. On a roster filled with young talent the thirteen year veteran has played with renewed injury this preseason. Whether or not that leads to a roster spot remains to be seen. With opening night fast approaching the Bruins will soon have to decide on what they will do with the veteran winger.

Stempniak’s Value

Last season Stempniak appeared in 37 games for the Hurricanes scoring three goals and recording nine assists. It was the first time in his career that he appeared in less than fifty games in a season. His three goals were his lowest total since 2012-2013 hen he had nine with Calgary. This preseason he has not looked like a veteran who has lost his scoring touch. Stempniak has looked re-energized by the Bruins youth even though that could be a reason he does not end up with a roster spot.

Stempniak

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, he is not a twenty goal scorer but still has value. He is a steady veteran presence who can score between 10 and 15 goals. In the preseason Stempniak has six points while only averaging 11 minutes of ice time a game. He has shown that he can produce in a depth role and on the powerplay. His scoring touch is needed but his veteran leadership is also important.

Veteran Presence

This off-season the Bruins have lost veterans Rick Nash, Riley Nash, and Tim Schaller in free agency. Stempniak has been in the league for over a decade and been in many different locker rooms. He can provide perspective for the younger Bruins players who are still adjusting to the NHL. This is a key quality and contribution that does not show up on the stat sheet.

stempniak

Photo Credit: Couch Guy Sports

Although Stempniak is a well-traveled veteran he will not end up on the Bruins top line. He would most likely end up on the Bruins third or fourth-line. He could provide scoring depth while adding a unique perspective in the locker room and has outplayed some of the players still in camp. It is these type of signings that sometimes work out to be the best moves. Stempniak will know his fate soon but he has made a compelling case in his second stint with the Bruins.