As the NHL takes a breather for the Olympic break, players not heading to Italy are diving back into action with mini camps to gear up for the season's restart. The Boston Bruins are set to hit the ice again on Thursday night at the TD Garden, facing off against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This matchup is crucial for the playoff race, with Columbus trailing just four points behind the Bruins for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.
For Alex Steeves, this break was a chance to recharge before diving into the intense schedule that an Olympic season brings. Games come thick and fast, and Steeves took this time to rest and rejuvenate.
“It’s really important,” Steeves shared. “The schedule has been tough, and it’s only going to get tougher.
Players adapt, but avoiding burnout and fatigue is key. For guys playing heavy minutes and rookies like me, it’s great to step back, let the body and mind rest, and gear up for a strong finish to the season.”
Charlie McAvoy, the Bruins' stalwart defenseman, has been making headlines too. Over three months ago, he took a puck to the face against the Canadiens, which led to him donning a protective bubble.
He continued wearing it through the Olympics, but in the recent quarterfinal against Sweden, he took it off. Bruins coach Marco Sturm noticed the change.
“I thought it was one of his most physical games of the year,” Sturm remarked.
McAvoy's physicality was on full display, showing he's at his peak when playing with that edge.
Meanwhile, the Providence Bruins are riding high, boasting a 12-game winning streak. They'll jump back into AHL action this weekend with a packed schedule, hosting the Belleville Senators on Friday, visiting the Springfield Thunderbirds on Saturday, and wrapping up by hosting the Hartford Wolf Pack on Sunday afternoon.