Sean Kuraly isn’t spending much time worrying about the shuffle in and out of the Boston Bruins’ lineup. His approach is simple: stay ready, keep working, and take the next chance when it comes.
“Enjoy the hockey and be ready for the next time,” the veteran forward said after Tuesday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena.
Kuraly has appeared in five games this season, with his latest outing coming Oct. 31 in Boston’s 5-4 overtime win over the Chicago Blackhawks. That’s a different rhythm from the last two seasons, when he played all 82 games each year. This time around, he’s had to adjust to a more intermittent role at fourth-line center.
“Just keep it simple. Come in, work hard and just keep going,” Kuraly said.
“You could get in the mud with all the other BS, I guess, for lack of another word, just keep coming in and enjoying it. Hockey is still the best part of my day.”
On Tuesday, Kuraly was back between Mark Kastelic and Tanner Jeannot, a trio he knows well. That familiarity has helped smooth out the starts and stops that come with his current spot in the lineup.
“We’ve played a lot together. It’s definitely an easier transition back in the lineup,” Kuraly said.
“There are different challenges every year, and you just kind of learn on the fly and keep going and figure out the best way to help the team. It’s nice having those guys by my side.”
The Bruins also had Matt Poitras in the mix at center on the fourth line recently. The 22-year-old has produced seven points, including four goals and three assists, in 12 games. He did not skate with the team Tuesday after taking an elbow to the face from Vegas Golden Knights forward Braeden Bowman on Monday and leaving that game before the finish.
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Bruins Now Face A Matthew Poitras Concern Before Pittsburgh
Matthew Poitras remained a notable concern for the Bruins on the eve of their trip to Pittsburgh after head coach Marco Sturm said the forward stayed out for the entire practice. Poitras has been dealing with the injury he suffered against Vegas, and Boston is at least planning to have him travel with the team as it prepares for the next game.
The Bruins have leaned on Poitras for secondary scoring this season, with the young forward posting seven points in 12 games. His status now adds another layer of uncertainty to a lineup that has already had to adjust on the fly, and the next checkpoint will come after he gets checked out again. [Read more 🡒]