After Monday’s practice, head coach Craig Berube shared insights on the mentors' trip, the team’s mindset during the final stretch of a challenging season, and the status of Anthony Stolarz, who had a close call with a puck from William Nylander during warmups.
The Mentors' Trip: A Boost in the Locker Room
Berube highlighted the positive impact of the mentors' trip, a cherished tradition in the NHL where players' family members join the team. It's a chance for players to showcase their skills in front of their loved ones, adding an extra spark to their performance.
The mentors get a firsthand look at the NHL lifestyle, from the abundance of food to the intense preparation that goes into each game. The experience is both eye-opening and enjoyable, offering a deeper appreciation for the sport.
Keeping Communication Consistent
As the season winds down, Berube remains steadfast in his approach to communication with the team. Despite lineup changes and the introduction of young talent from the minors, the focus remains on teamwork, competitiveness, and dedication. Berube emphasizes the importance of playing for the crest on the jersey, maintaining a high compete level, and learning from mistakes while pushing forward as a cohesive unit.
Injury Updates and Goalie Decisions
Regarding player health, Berube reassured fans that Ekman-Larsson left practice due to a minor issue and is expected to be fine. Anthony Stolarz, who had a scare with a high puck from Nylander, is also doing well. While Berube hasn't decided on the starting goalie for the upcoming game in Boston, he stressed that Stolarz should continue preparing as usual, with opportunities to play coming as decisions are made game by game.
A Lighthearted Moment
Reflecting on his playing days, Berube shared a humorous anecdote about accidentally hitting his own goalies with shots, noting that not every goalie took it well. The recent incident with Nylander was a freak occurrence, but Berube took it in stride, acknowledging that such moments happen in hockey.
Practice Lines
During practice, the lines looked like this:
- Cowan - Tavares - Nylander
- Knies - Domi - Robertson
- Maccelli - Groulx - Joshua
- Lorentz - Quillan - Jarnkrok
- Pezzetta
On defense:
- Rielly - Carlo
- McCabe - Stecher
- Benoit - Myers
Goalies:
- Woll
- Stolarz
With Ekman-Larsson leaving early, the team is set to face the Bruins tomorrow, ready to put their best foot forward.