Bruins Den: Krejci Still A Gamtime Decision

The Boston Bruins had their first gameday skate of the 2019-20 season today at American Airlines Arena in Dallas as they prepared for their season opener against the Dallas Stars. Once again, center David Krejci (lower body) was on the ice centering the second line between Jake DeBrusk and rookie Karson Kuhlman and once again Krejci and head coach Bruce Cassidy termed the veteran pivot a ‘gametime decision’ for tonight.

Cassidy said Krejci seemed “a little tender” and Krejci confirmed as much to the media following the skate.

“Obviously getting closer, felt better today than yesterday. Going to talk to the trainers and make a decision for tonight,” said Krejci who hasn’t played since the fourth preseason game for the Bruins September 23 and his only appearance of the preseason. “It’s kind of hard to find a balance but obviously first game you want to be out there with your teammates. You never want to miss a game, but at the same time, gotta make the decision that’s best for myself and my teammates. I don’t want to go out there and hurt our chances to win. I want to be out there and feel 100 percent. I got to check with the trainers and go from there.”

There was some positive injury news from Dallas as injured forward Joakim Nordstrom (foot) skated with a white contact jersey towards the end of the Bruins skate.

What Happens If Krejci Can’t Play?

If Krejci is a no-go, Cassidy will need to do some line shuffling and that likely will include both newcomers Par Lindholm and former Stars winger Brett Ritchie making their Bruins debuts. If Krejci plays though, it’s likely only Lindholm would draw into the lineup.

“If Krech plays, then we’ll make our decision. But we’re leaning toward Lindholm, just because he’s more of a killer than Ritchie with [Joakim] Nordstrom being out,” said Cassidy. “And if something should happen to Krech during the game, Lindholm plays center so it’s an easier switch. We’re going to guard against those things. That’s what we’re thinking right now.”

Here’s what the lineup looked like in Dallas this morning:

Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak

DeBrusk-Krejci-Kuhlman

Heinen-Coyle-Backes

Kuraly-Lindholm-Wagner

Chara-McAvoy

Krug-Carlo

Grzelcyk-Clifton

Rask

Halak