By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Bruins center David Krejci (lower body injury) will be a game-time decision for Thursday's regular season opener against the Dallas Stars, head coach Bruce Cassidy told reporters on Wednesday. Krejci practiced in his usual spot at No. 2 center before Cassidy addressed the media.
Krejci centered a line with left wing Jake DeBrusk and right wing Karson Kuhlman on Wednesday. Here are the full practice lines from Warrior Ice Arena, via the Bruins on Twitter.
Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak
Jake DeBrusk – David Krejci – Karson Kuhlman
Danton Heinen – Charlie Coyle – David Backes
Chris Wagner – Sean Kuraly – Brett Ritchie/ Par Lindholm
Zdeno Chara – Charlie McAvoy
Torey Krug – Brandon Carlo
Matt Grzelcyk – Connor Clifton/Steven Kampfer
Joakim Nordstrom appeared at practice in a red non-contact jersey. He's been placed on injured reserve to start the season. Both goalies, starter Tuukka Rask and backup Jaroslav Halak, were also present.
Krech back in white this morning.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/BWovzcpp1h
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 2, 2019
It appears that Cassidy is still deciding between Kampfer and Clifton for the third-pairing right defenseman for the season opener. If Krejci is unable to go on Thursday night, potential centers to get the call-up from Providence include Trent Frederic, Jack Studnicka, and Cameron Hughes.
Patrice Bergeron told reporters he's good to go for the season opener after managing his workload in the preseason. So besides Krejci, the Bruins' main players at forward are healthy to start the 2019-20 season. Anton Blidh is starting the year on IR, which will be a blow to the Bs' depth at center.
Ideally, one of their top prospects at the position can step up their game if they have to replace the 33-year-old Krejci on the roster.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].